The Kentucky Derby might only last a few minutes but it’s all the finery that surrounds it that is the spectacle fans love. The hats, or fascinators, seem to get bigger and more extravagant every year. Hallmark Channel’s latest movie, Hats Off to Love, takes a look at those gorgeous headpieces when a milliner falls for a horse trainer while hoping to win top prize in a hat contest surrounding a famed horse race.
Here’s everything we know so far about Hats Off to Love, including a Parade exclusive sneak peek. Take a look.
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Does Hats Off to Love take place at the Kentucky Derby?
No, for probable legal and budget reasons, Hats Off to Love takes place at the fictional Louisville Derby.
Is there an actual hat competition at the Kentucky Derby?
There are several hat competitions sponsored by various companies and vendors that take place at the real Kentucky Derby. But there doesn’t appear to be one major hat competition like the one in Hats Off to Love.
What are those fancy hats you see people wearing at the Derby called?
Those elaborate hats that you seeing ladies wearing at the Kentucky Derby (and at formal events in Europe, especially in England) are called fascinators.
What is Hats Off to Loveabout?
Amateur milliner Stella (Ginna Claire Mason) designs hats and fascinators for socialite Rosalind (Holly Robinson Peete) and meets her son Christian (John Clarence Stewart), who’s training a horse to compete in the Louisville Derby.
How did the tradition of extravagant hats start?
It was said that the bigger the hat, the bigger the luck. So women began wearing larger and more extravagant hats and fascinators with each passing year.
Do Ginna Claire Mason and John Clarence Stewart sing in Hats Off to Love?
You’ll hear Ginna Claire Mason sing a few bars in Hats Off to Love, but that’s about it.
Meet the cast of Hats Off to Love
Ginna Claire Mason (Stella)
Mason has an extensive theatre background including roles as Glinda in Wicked and Katherine in Newsies. She starred in last year’s Countdown to Christmas movie A Carol for Two opposite Broadway star Jordan Litz.
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John Clarence Stewart (Christian)
Stewart is known for his roles in Luke Cage and Zooey’s Extraordinary Playlist. Born in Stone Mountain, Georgia, Stewart made his television debut in an episode of Gotham. His other credits include 9-1-1: Lonestar, The Good Fight, and Blue Bloods.
Holly Robinson Peete (Rosalind)
Peete, who began growing a fan base with her turn as Officer Judy Hoffs in the original 21 Jump Street, has starred in multiple films for Hallmark Channel as well as the network’s first reality show, Meet the Peetes. She followed up her successful run on 21 Jump Street with another successful run on Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper. Peete starred in Holiday Heritage, the first Hallmark film about Kwanzaa!
When does Hats Off to Love premiere?
Hats Off to Love premieres on Saturday, May 3 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel.
When can I watch Hats Off to Love again?
Sunday, May 4 at 7 p.m. ET
Wednesday, May 7 at 8 p.m. ET
Saturday, May 17 at 10 p.m. ET
Does Parade have a sneak peek of Hats Off to Love?
Let’s go to the races for this Parade exclusive sneak peek of Hats Off to Love. Check it out below and tune in Saturday, May 3 at 8 p.m. ET to catch the movie.
Check out images from Hats Off to Love
Take a look at some select images from Hats Off to Love starring Ginna Claire Mason, John Clarence Stewart, and Holly Robinson Peete in the gallery below.
‘Hats Off to Love’
Hallmark Channel
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