The first garland for the Kentucky Oaks was presented to Kathleen, the 1916 winner. It was made of roses, not the lilies that have become synonymous with the filly's race today. Though the every Oaks' winner since Kathleen received a garland, the Star Gazer Lily did not become the official flower of the Kentucky Oaks until 1991, when the Kroger Company was commissioned to create a feminine garland for the fillies. Lite Light, winner of the 117th Kentucky Oaks, was the first filly to receive the garland of lilies.
The Star Gazer Lily was selected for its femininity and strength. A total of 133 lilies are sewn into a white moire fabric backing with a fleur-de-lis pattern, which, like the green satin of the Derby garland, is embroidered in white-on-white with the Commonwealth's seal at one /files/storyimages/and the twin spires and number of the running at the other. It is trimmed in a dramatic border of Oak Ivy Leaves symbolic of the event. Kroger is the offical florist of the Kentucky Oaks and Derby. The Public can view the construction of the lily garland at a local Kroger store on Oaks' Eve.
