Sunflowers: Hats and Children's Art

Thanks to Bert Hermann (Casa Manzano) for sending hat results and pictures (all by Guy Seiler).

Not only is the Sunflower Hat Contest an increasingly popular event but it inspires even non-contestants to bedeck themselves in sunflowers - thus doing their part to bridge the sunflower gap... Like the Children's Sunflower Art and Library Book Sale, the Sunflower Hats are becoming another self-sustaining Festival feature, capable of thriving without organizational life support... If they get overlooked some year down the road, I have no doubt they'll find their own way. Such features are a boon to organizers...

hat photos by Guy Seiler

Winners of the 2008 Sunflower Hat Contest (clockwise from left): Colleen Grathwol & Celeste diPaola of Albuquerque (most beautiful hat(s); Annie Carnes of Albuquerque (most creative use of sunflowers); Kevin Turner of Mountainair (funniest hat); Emma (8) & Cameron (4) Olsen of Taos (best child, 12 and under).

sunflower swan hat

Most creative in the group shot does not match with individual shot. Perhaps someone will be able to supply a correction.

To get the full effect of this "sisters act" you need to see the back view - Emma's hat sports the word "sisters" and Cameron's reads "rock." When the sisters broke order: their ensemble read "rock sisters." Add a sister, and you could have, "rock on, sisters." Although not clearly visible, both sport face paint, one with a sunflower design.

"Most Beautiful" looks like yet another sister act...

To wrap up Children's Sunflower Art (I did promise more pictures), I'm sending you to Jude's inspired post with all the pictures at Notes from Straw Mountain.This event is special to her and she was beyond distressed when she did not see it in the program.

Every year at the end of August, Mountainair NM presents their "Sunflower Festival". Although it changes some every year there is one constant that is truly wonderful. I offer you a glimpse of the Children's Sunflower Art !