From classic wide brims to extravagant and quirky creations, there’s no shortage of interesting hats at Preakness—and each is as unique as its owner.

“I’ve been coming ever since I was 10 and I’ve always seen the hats on the older guys. I’m 52 now, so I can fit in with them. When I was down in New Orleans last, I saw this and I said, ‘that’s the hat.'” —Thomas McCoy

“I’m a mixed media artist so this is a mixed media piece. The intention was to look horsey without looking too horsey.” —Jess Phohl

“You’ve got to have a hat for Preakness, and it’s got to be straw. I bought this one at Roses down in Ocean City, and then I bought these sunflowers and stuck them on here as Black-Eyed Susans because you can’t buy a dag-on Black-Eyed Susan anywhere.” —Terry Shell & Doug Celmer

“I wanted a little bit of Maryland and a little bit of me. I cut the Natty Boh face right off a six pack! With limited time, you’ve got to do what you can.” —Jeanie Riggs

“Well, my hat had to match the outfit. I wish I could say I was always this fashionable, but my wife helped out big time.” —Vinny Raj

“I made this myself—
I wanted it to be big. Plus, I’m nine months pregnant so it had to be bigger than my belly.” —Britani Carreras

“This was my mother’s hat and I brought it the first time we came in 2000. Every year, after the race, we go ask the fancy people with clubhouse tickets for a ribbon to put on the hat. People don’t like to give them away.” —Patty Robrecht

“With ribbon and a flower, I made this myself. I’d say I’m proud of it” —Aimee Taylor