The Valley Line:

Holiday lights are beginning to adorn houses in La Cañada Flintridge. I think everyone is getting into the festive mood. As I have oft mentioned, Christmas is my favorite time of year — just like kids everywhere! That is my mind- (and heart) set as preparations begin, with all the decorations coming out of their boxes and the colored lights wrapped around the Christmas tree.

But before I abandon this writing to add a few more ornaments to the tree, I will catch you up on community news.

The La Cañada Junior Women’s Club set their own post time for a recent “A Night at the Races — The Juniors Cup” fund-raising party, which was a huge success. The $40,000 raised went to Ronald McDonald House and Elizabeth House.

Stacey and Ken Smersfelt graciously opened up their lovely home for the party that more than 160 people attended.

Michelle Sabourin was chair of the party and her committee members included Nancy Hempstead, Lisa Doan, Sarah Keh, Doreen Aitelli, Melissa Mazin, Nina Browning, Trina Mor, Sara Ingrassia and Allison Myslevic.

The big hit of the evening was the parade of hats that the ladies wore — and much later in the evening some of the men even borrowed them for their own impromptu fashion show.

The hat designs were amazing with some being quite elegant and others just being whimsical.

Volunteering to be hat judges were Trina Mor, Jill Sayre and Miss La Cañada Flintridge court members Michelle Burrows (Miss LCF), Amanda Borland and Katharine Irvine.

Winners of the hat contest were Karen Nichols, most unusual hat; Kris Mueller, the prettiest chapeau; and Susan McConnell, most thematic.

Everybody’s favorite horse of the evening was the life-size composition steed that stood in the Smersfelt courtyard. He wore the traditional flower wreath around his neck. More than one guest climbed into the saddle pretending to be a jockey while others gave the horse a kiss on the nose as they passed by. Susie Goddard was very kind to loan the horse replica for the event.

A huge outdoors movie screen was also set up on the patio and six taped horse races were shown. Guests could bet on the horses and they could also sponsor a horse. Some people, donating $500 or more, could reserve a box seat for the six horse races.

Table centerpieces were gold trophies filled with red roses. Other décor touches included racing boots, hats, hay and little faux horses.

The food, catered by Gourmet A Go Go, offered guests pulled chicken and Philly steak sandwiches, a nacho bar, a salad bar, and a mashed potato martini bar. The dessert choices were hand-dipped chocolate ice cream bars and frozen bananas.

Of course it just wouldn’t be a fund-raiser if there wasn’t a silent auction, and the committee made sure there were plenty of “not-to-be-missed” prizes to bid on.

Nancy Rappard, president of the group said, “This was one of the most successful fund-raisers we have had and it was so much fun. We are so pleased that we can give our chosen charities such support.”

Get in touch JANE NAPIER NEELY covers the La Cañada Flintridge social scene. She can be reached at jnvalleysun@aol.com.