Caroline Callicutt hats

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CAMDEN, S.C. – The Carolina Cup 2022 took place on April 2 in Camden, South Carolina, drawing a lively crowd to the Springdale Race Track. Attendees filled the stands, lined the fence, and set up tailgates in the infield, with many coming not just for the steeplechase horse racing but also to showcase elaborate, often handcrafted outfits and hats. Vendors like Pink Stable were also in full swing, with owner Kathryn Couch and her team setting up early to offer a variety of apparel and accessories. Regulars such as Kristen Josephsen were delighted to find their annual hat and accessory at the vendor area, while Jamie and Lorraine McConnell provided their usual warm welcome.

Among the highlights was the Best Hat Contest, where attendees showcased creative headwear in hopes of winning the coveted prize. Christa Mack impressed with a pink top hat adorned with horse figurines and Disney princess dolls, while Shebby Sweet’s orange hat celebrated the Old Fashioned cocktail, complete with a whiskey bottle and shaker. Jane Cosby, dressed in a lavender outfit she crafted herself, circulated the vendor tents with business cards for custom-made attire. Whether attendees were there to enjoy the festivities, compete in the races, or flaunt their extravagant hats, the Carolina Cup delivered a successful and memorable race day.

Caroline Galloway decorates a private tent where VIPs have bought tickets for lunch and cocktails. Photo by Caroline Callicutt

Before a horse steps onto the racetrack, there are the hats. Participants of the annual hat contest loiter at the finish line on the Springdale Race Track while they await results. Photo by Caroline Callicutt

Lorraine McConnell, left, sells summer fashions to an eager crowd. She catches up with long-time customer Kristen Josephsen, who buys a new hat and horse accessory from McConnell every year. Photo by Carolina Callicutt

A silver horse statue wrapped in roses serves as a centerpiece for an upscale tailgating party at the Carolina Cup in Camden, South Carolina. Photo by Carolina Callicutt

A round of horses and jockeys clear the second jump in the steeple chase at the Carolina Cup in Camden, South Carolina. Photo by Carolina Callicutt

An experienced jockey attempts to grab a run-away horse who had bucked off his jockey during the first race of the day at the Carolina Cup in Camden, South Carolina. Photo by Carolina Callicutt

Sharon Bense wears a self-made hat with birds, flowers, and a mini birdhouse. Photo by Caroline Callicutt

Used tea cups stack up on a table at a tent lined up on the fence at the Carolina Cup in Camden, South Carolina. Photo by Carolina Callicutt

Caroline Callicutt

I’m Caroline Callicutt, a junior majoring in Visual Communications with a minor in Psychology. Hailing from Atlanta, I enjoy reading, painting, and attending live music events in my spare time. For class projects, I borrow Canon 80D cameras from the J-school, and I also use my own 35mm film camera for personal photography. Additionally, I’m skilled in Adobe software, which I use extensively for all my creative work.

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Caroline Callicutt

View Caroline’s work on her semester story.