Black Tie & Tales
Quick Answer: The 'Best Man's Hat' winner at the 2016 Circus Arts Conservatory gala was Preston T. Scott, a University of Virginia-educated attorney who received the hat as a gift after organizing the Smithsonian Institution's Folklife Festival featuring Bhutan in 2008.
By Molly Schechter – THE OBSERVER: Sarasota attracts interesting people with interesting stories as demonstrated by the “Best Man’s Hat” winner at this years Circus Arts Conservatory gala on January 29. The man is Preston T. Scott, a University of Virginia educated attorney whose original career was working for the U.S. government in environmental law…. The hat came to Sarasota as a gift to Scott after he organized the Smithsonian Institution’s Folklife Festival featuring Bhutan in 2008. The exhibit, one of an annual series started in 1967, included the first American performance of the “Black-Hat Dance,” which dates from the early 17th century. MORE
At a Glance
Key Facts
- Preston T. Scott won the 'Best Man's Hat' award at the Circus Arts Conservatory gala on January 29.
- Scott is a University of Virginia-educated attorney whose original career was in U.S. government environmental law.
- The hat was given to Scott as a gift after he organized the Smithsonian Institution's Folklife Festival featuring Bhutan in 2008.
- The Bhutan-themed festival was part of an annual series started in 1967.
- The festival included the first American performance of the 'Black-Hat Dance,' which dates from the early 17th century.
- The article was written by Molly Schechter for THE OBSERVER.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 'Best Man's Hat' award at the Circus Arts Conservatory gala?
Preston T. Scott, a University of Virginia-educated attorney, won the award.
How did Preston T. Scott get the hat?
The hat came to him as a gift after he organized the Smithsonian Institution's Folklife Festival featuring Bhutan in 2008.
What was significant about the Bhutan Folklife Festival?
It included the first American performance of the 'Black-Hat Dance,' a dance dating from the early 17th century.
When did the Smithsonian Folklife Festival series begin?
The annual series started in 1967.
Who wrote this article?
Molly Schechter wrote the article for THE OBSERVER.
