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Join us on Friday, May 1st, 2026, to celebrate the 25th annual Les Chapeaux dans le Jardin, fondly known as Hat Day! Under the leadership of our 2026 Hat Day Chair, Kristie Nicolosi Lagos, this annual spring luncheon promises an elegant afternoon celebrating the art of nature, while raising critical funds to support the Conservatory’s educational mission.
What began in 2001 as a spirited luncheon has grown into one of Columbus’ most anticipated philanthropic traditions, bringing together community leaders and friends in support of the Conservatory’s youth education and outreach programs. More than 550 guests gather under a grand marquee in the beautiful gardens, adorned in their chapeaux, to enjoy an afternoon of fun, friendship, and philanthropy.
Sponsorships for Hat Day 2026 will soon be available and are the best way to secure a table at this popular event! For details or to secure a table, contact Naomi Merino at [email protected] or 614-715-8041.
Proceeds from Hat Day benefit the Conservatory’s youth education and outreach programs, which annually serve thousands of children of all ages and backgrounds. These initiatives build lifelong connections to the natural world with opportunities for learning, discovery, and hands-on exploration.
Your Hat Day generosity supports programs like these:
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Pre-K and K-12 School Groups visit through on-site school programs, which give children opportunities to experience the excitement of applied nature-based learning that builds foundational knowledge of science and the arts.
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The Head Start Discovery Program serves 3-5 year-olds in Head Start and Columbus City School preschool locations across Columbus, engaging young learners with age-appropriate STEM lessons, planting the seeds for a love of learning.
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Daily drop-in programs and activities in the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden engage families with hands-on experiences in science and nature, promoting active learning for all ages.
