Big colorful hats were the first thing you notice walking into Nick’s Lake House, holding the 10th annual Kentucky Derby party. Proceeds from the day’s events go to Penn Kidder Library in Albrightsville, an extension of the Dimmick Library in Jim Thorpe.

Patrons could “bet” on the outcome of the race by buying tickets to put in a bin choosing the race winner. A random ticket was then pulled from the winning horse’s bin. Bake sale items, including molasses cupcakes and peanut butter bars, and a 50/50 benefited the library.

Emcee Dina Tulli Davis, returning for her fourth year, kept the crowd entertained by singing, asking trivia questions and giving away swag prizes. Davis said, “It’s fun supporting the library. It’s great people, and I love to entertain for a good cause.”

Mary Farnschlader, a Dimmick Library board member, had friends who donated baskets for a basket raffle. A bottle of Woodford Reserve Bourbon was the most desired prize.

Nick’s owner Cindy Pantages ordered this rare bourbon a year in advance. It is bottled just for the Kentucky Derby.

Pantages said, “I love the library. Nick’s started this in 2015. It used to be a ticketed buffet, but I feel it does better with a bar scene.”

A best outfit contest was held with both men and women enjoying lining up in their Kentucky Derby finery.

Board member Steve Uliana said, “We do this event because people like to support a library right in their neighborhood. We appreciate Nick’s Lake House sponsoring it.”

A new addition this year was the opportunity to take your picture with a horse. A full-size cardboard one that is.

Ellen Jesberger, who owns a vacation house in Lake Harmony, said, “It’s fun people and a party all weekend. Anything happening is happening here in the Poconos.”

The library will be holding its seventh annual golf outing at Jack Frost on June 9.