Hats are always a topic of interest at the Derby, but rarely on male heads.
Gov. Paul Patton turned that tradition on its head yesterday, sporting a Stetson-style chapeau crafted by Chris Ramsey of Somerset from one solid piece of walnut .
Patton said he thought to himself, "I need a hat like that," when he saw Ramsey's display at the annual Kentucky Crafted market in Louisville six weeks ago.
"It's unique. I'd never seen anything like it," Patton said. "It's Kentucky-made, fine workmanship."
The hat wasn't a hit with everyone, though, and when U.S. Rep. Billy Tauzin, R-La., heard about Patton's wooden topper, he quipped, "I heard he had a wooden personality, too."

Gov. Paul Patton's headgear was crafted from a solid piece of walnut by Chris Ramsey of Somerset.

Photo by DAVID R. LUTMAN