It was a crush. The crowds were huge. The betting fast and furious. The people beautiful and fashion-forward. The hats huge.

The fascinators and cocktail hats outrageous. No doubt about it, the Canadian Derby has arrived as a major fashion event in Edmonton.

This reporter recalls wearing a hat to the Canadian Derby four years ago. Hat wearers were in the minority, primarily consisting of Northlands Park staff and a few of the wealthy winning connections. Fast forward a few short years - Northlands Park had three vendors selling hats in the Derby Marketplace this past weekend with hundreds of hats, fascinators, and headbands for sale. Edmonton's own Headcase Hats was in attendance again, along with a couple of newcomers, Zsa Zsa's Hat Salon from Calgary, and New York milliner Christine A. Moore.

By mid to late afternoon, the Derby Marketplace had sold over $3,000 worth of hats. "People wanted anything they could get to put on their heads; fascinators, feathers, headbands," said Sandra Mattar of Headcase Hats on Whyte Avenue. "We've also got the effect of so many people wearing hats that they've purchased in previous years to, so it's really just getting bigger and better every year."

Hottest hat trends spotted at Northlands Park this year:

1. Big, Bold, Beautiful

2. Color Rules

3. Feather Fascinators

4. Flower Power

5. Custom Looks

Many of her most popular fascinators yesterday were one-of-a kind custom pieces created by her staff.  Many of the pieces revolved around retro or antique style pieces of jewelry. Mattar also noted that birds and butterflies as embellishments are growing in popularity too. 

"It's just so much fun. It's the only place where there's absolutely no limit to how crazy, how big and bold your hat can be," noted Mattar, who rotated through three different hats throughout Derby Day. "I love it."

 Jacqueline Babey looks smashing watching the races from the rail in a red polka dot dress and matching cocktail hat.

Well-suited Jordan and Kendra Andrew enjoy the atmosphere in front of the Grandstand.

Two racegoers prove that big hats are beautiful.

Ricardo Franco of Mexico City takes top honors for best men's look while enjoying his second Canadian Derby.

 One of the younger race fans shows off a great feather fascinator and a toothless grin while at the Hat Parade.

Sandra Mattar of Headcase Hats shows off what was easily the biggest hat of the day.

Mattar says she's been waiting months to find the perfect event for this hat.

Side view of Mattar's hat.

Sherry Stewart checks out the hats at Zsa Zsa's Hat Salon in the Derby Marketplace.

Brianna Abbey, Gae Abbey, Dana Dickout, and Jillian Nyboer in the Derby Marketplace.

Michelle Leavitt-Djonlic of Andeo Hats took home the top prize of $500 in the Elegant category in the Hat Parade with a hat she made herself.

 Derby Girl Taylor B. and Shaw TV's Jacqueline Greenly at the winner's circle.

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