June 10: The Belmont Stakes Edition

Each morning, visit Patch to get the scoop on the top five things you need to know about Garden City for the day - or weekend. Whether it's an important meeting, fun event or a can't miss story, we'll make sure you stay informed on the top things that are defining your community right now.

The top five things you need to know June 10:

1. Belmont Tea Event at Rein: From 3-5 p.m., REIN at The Garden City Hotel is offering its signature Afternoon Tea service with a Belmont twist.

2. Designer Hat Trunk Show: From 4-8 p.m. at The Garden City Hotel gift shop, hat designer Christine A. Moore will present her annual trunk show for women seeking the customary hat, casual or extravagant, to wear to the Belmont Stakes or the hotel’s Belmont Tea Event. One lucky winner, in a contest on the hotel’s Facebook page, will receive one of Moore’s custom designed hats, valued up to $300, along with a personal consultation by the designer. Consultation with the designer will be at the hotel on Thursday; winner can pick up their hat on Friday.

3. 2011 Garden City Belmont Festival: From 6-10 p.m. the village will hold its annual celebration honoring the Belmont Stakes on the eve of its 143rd running. The Garden City Belmont Festival will take place on Seventh Street and will feature dance groups, live music, family-friendly activities and a “Wing Off” chicken wing competition. NYRA television analyst and retired jockey Richard Migliore will emcee the festival. Bands scheduled to perform include the Fivestone Rock Bank, Jerry & the Newcomers, New Vintage Swing Band, Speak Easy and the Village Music Makers.

4. Wing Off: The Wing Off will take place from 6:30-9 p.m. during which local restaurants will compete to be named Garden City’s chicken wing champion. Six restaurants are currently confirmed to take part in the competition: J.P. McGeevers, Murphy’s Bar and Grill, Rein at the Garden City Hotel, Walk Street, Lani’s Marketplace and Pop’s Wings & Grill of Lynbrook. The general public will judge the contest as any passerby can get in on the action for a minimum donation of $5, which includes a plate of wings and a ballot. All proceeds benefit Operation Wounded Warrior, which provides needed items for injured United States military personnel. The winner will be announced at 9:30 p.m.

5. Belmont Children's Poster Contest: Garden City children are showing their love of horse racing through a children's poster contest. Garden City youngsters in grades K-6 submitted images of thoroughbred racing to Sunflower Fine Art Galleries. The top three winners will be awarded cash prizes from Sunflower Fine Art and will be honored at the Garden City Belmont Festival. All artwork is now on display in store windows along Seventh Street and Franklin Avenue. The location of each piece will be posted on www.sunflowerfineart.com Friday.