35th Annual Forest Park Forever Hat Luncheon

On June 2, 2026, nearly 800 civic leaders, philanthropists, and park supporters gathered at the World's Fair Pavilion for the 35th Annual Forest Park Forever Hat Luncheon, celebrating two significant milestones—the 150th anniversary of Forest Park and the 40th anniversary of Forest Park Forever, the nonprofit conservancy dedicated to preserving and enhancing one of America's premier urban parks.

Emceed by Carol Daniel and co-chaired by Akberet Boykin Farr and Laura Sawyier, the sold-out event raised a record-breaking $665,000 to support the daily care of Forest Park's 1,300 acres. Since its founding in 1986, Forest Park Forever has partnered with the City of St. Louis to restore historic landmarks, maintain gardens, lakes, trails, woodlands, and thousands of trees, while funding improvements that help welcome more than 15 million annual visitors.

The Hat Luncheon, established in 1991 by the organization's Women's Committee, has become one of St. Louis' most beloved philanthropic traditions. Guests don elegant and whimsical hats in celebration of summer while raising millions of dollars over the event's 35-year history to ensure Forest Park remains a vibrant civic treasure for generations to come.

Hats! Hats! And More Hats…