Derby Hat Decorating & Parade

Purpose of the Activity

This vibrant and engaging activity is designed to celebrate the spirit of the Kentucky Derby while promoting creativity, social interaction, and a sense of community. The purpose is to:
Encourage Self-Expression: Provide a creative outlet for residents to design something that reflects their personal style.
Promote Socialization: Create a fun, relaxed atmosphere where residents can chat, laugh, and bond over a shared project.
Enhance Fine Motor Skills: The hands-on nature of cutting, gluing, and arranging materials helps maintain dexterity.
Boost Self-Esteem: Residents will feel a sense of pride and accomplishment as they create and then showcase their unique hats.
Create Lasting Memories: The parade and photo opportunities will generate wonderful memories for residents and staff alike.

Materials Needed

Organize materials in a "buffet style" on a central table for easy access.

Hat Bases:
Assortment of plain, wide-brimmed sun hats in various colors (straw or fabric).
Fascinator bases with clips or headbands.
Optional: Plain fedoras for gentlemen who wish to participate.

Decorative Supplies:
Flowers: A large variety of faux silk flowers (peonies, roses, daisies) in different sizes and colors.
Ribbons: Spools of wide satin, grosgrain, and lace ribbon.
Feathers: Ostrich plumes, marabou feathers, and smaller accent feathers.
Tulle & Netting: Rolls of colored tulle or birdcage veiling.
Accents: Faux pearls on a string, self-adhesive rhinestones, small bows, and decorative buttons.
Thematic Items (Optional): Small plastic horses, horseshoe charms.

Tools & Adhesives:
Low-temperature hot glue guns (for staff/volunteer use at a designated "gluing station").
High-quality tacky craft glue (e.g., Aleene's Tacky Glue) for residents to use at their tables.
Glue dots for easy, no-mess application of lighter items.
Fabric scissors.
Wire cutters (for trimming flower stems).

For the Parade & Social Hour:
Portable speaker for music.
A designated "runway" area (a cleared hallway or path in the activity room).
Fun, lighthearted award certificates (e.g., "Most Elegant," "Most Creative," "Best Derby Spirit").
Camera or smartphone for taking photos.
Refreshments: Non-alcoholic mint juleps, iced tea, and Derby-themed cookies (e.g., shaped like horses or hats).

Estimated Duration

Total Time: Approximately 2 hours.
Decorating: 60-75 minutes.
Parade & Social: 30-45 minutes.

Ideal Group Size

10-15 residents: This is an ideal size for 1-2 staff members to provide adequate individual attention and assistance. For larger groups, be sure to have more volunteers on hand.