One of our favorite Main Line traditions is the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair. Since 1896, this equestrian extravaganza has brought competition, fun, fashion, and more. It signals the beginning of summer and is a great excuse to wear a fancy hat, spend some old-timey fun with the family, and be a part of the spectacle. Of course, large gatherings (and probably lemon sticks—you can’t eat those with a mask) aren’t happening anytime soon, so the Devon Horse Show made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Horse Show in what would have been its 124^th year.

“While we are disappointed that the show can’t go on as normal we are excited about offering the Virtual Devon Horse Show for 2020,” stated DHSCF Chairman and CEO Wayne W. Grafton. “This is a wonderful opportunity to bring our entire community together to celebrate the history of Devon. We hope that you will join us in keeping the tradition of Devon alive during these unprecedented times.”

The Devon Horse Show will be sharing new content throughout each day on its social media through May 31, including interviews with equestrians, Devon memories, and behind the scenes secrets from staff. There will also be limited edition souvenirs for sale, a junior fashion show, and Ladies Day events, featuring new quarantine-inspired categories. There will be several contests, so be sure to check in daily on Facebook and Instagram.

On Wednesday, May 27 at 5 pm, celebrate Ladies Day—a signature event of the Show, traditionally held the same day as the ladies’ sidesaddle competition. This involves a highly anticipated hat contest, filled with color, fashion, and old-school fabulousness. This year will look very different, but the annual Fashion Show and Hat Contest will still include a panel of esteemed judges and exciting prizes. Plus, new categories include Best Quarantine Mask, Best Devon Quarantine Fashion, Best Pair (human or animal), Best Men’s Head to Toe, Best Equestrian Style (with a quarantine twist), and more! For the first time ever, there will also be a (virtual) audience Popular Vote!

Advance ticket purchase to participate in the contest or attend is $25 and will close at 10 am on the day of the event. You will get a contestant number and a link to the Zoom event, where you can introduce yourself and talk about your outfit!

Whether you’re participating in the contest or just there to see everyone else’s style, you can buy ‘A Taste of Devon’ food box and Virtual Devon Ladies Day custom cocktail mixers in advance to really bring the spirit of Devon home! Both items will be sold until midnight on Friday, May 22, and then available for pick up on May 27 and sold with or without a contest ticket.

Photographs by Laura Swartz.