When Karen Park went to her first Elburn Chamber of Commerce Winter Dinner, she wasn’t wearing a festive hat to celebrate the Kentucky Derby-like theme, and she said she knew she would have to be ready for the next one.

On Saturday, Park attended her third such event, and she fit right in with the colorful hats on display at the Elburn Lions Club. And Park’s award for best hat wasn’t even the best part of the evening.

Park, who works at Old Second Bank, now is the Chamber president, and she enjoyed a rewarding night. Old Second was honored as the business of the year. Park was honored for having the best hat. And the Chamber raised money for its annual scholarship fund. Last year’s event helped raise enough to provide two $1,000 scholarships for Kaneland area students.