MAGNOLIA SPRINGS, Ala. — Magnolia Springs Public Library hosted a Derby Day celebration Saturday afternoon in honor of the 138^th annual Kentucky Derby.

The event was free, but allowed attendees the opportunity to contribute to the library by dropping $1 in a hat and drawing the name of a competing horse from that same hat, with ribbons and trophies going to the people holding winning tickets. The event also featured a buffet of treats and beverages, a silent auction for such items as a redneck gift basket, artwork, books and vases, and commemorative T-shirts available for purchase and a view of the race on any of four televisions situated throughout the library.

The Magnolia Springs tradition of donning hats and gathering for the race started in 1978 at the Emmett House, hosted by Theo and Mary Deal, as chronicled in a photo album. It continued at various locations until several Magnolia Springs residents moved away more than 15 years ago. The tradition was reinstated last year as a fundraiser in anticipation of the then coming library, which opened last fall. Saturday’s event drew a crowd that filled each of the library’s four rooms.