THE DERBY DAY AFFAIR

A couple of days ago I posted about the Polo Classic, hosted by Polo for Philanthropy. The Classic has quickly become one of my favorite events, and a great way to support local charities. One of the other charity events hosted by Polo for Philanthropy, is the Derby Day Affair, held on the day of the Kentucky Derby. On this Throw Back Thursday, I'd like to feature that event.

Our greeter for the day.

Meeting miniature therapy horses.

This year, my friend Marisa and I attended the Derby Day for the first time, and it was an awesome experience. There were a variety of nonstop activities that kept us entertained throughout the day.

Plenty of lovely fashions on hand.

When we arrived we were greeted by equestrian demonstrations, miniature horses, large dogs, and ladies in festive hats! Everything to set the perfect tone for the event, and the activities to follow.

Enjoying the day with Marisa.

As we made our way inside the pavilion we were treated to tables of endless and delicious, hors d'oeuvres and canapes, certain to satisfy even the hungriest of guests. As we dined on these treats, we were entertained by ballroom dance demonstrations, cirque acrobats, a fashion show highlighting derby attire, and several local musicians. This was followed in the early afternoon by equestrian jumping exhibitions outside on the lawns.

The day was enjoyed by young and old.

Some dapper gents celebrating the Derby in style.

As the Kentucky Derby post time neared, everyone gathered inside the pavilion once more to watch the race. It was an exciting race as we cheered on our favorites, and watched Always Dreaming speed his way to the finish line for the win - eliciting more cheers from the crowd. Once the excitement of the race was over, the day ended with an auction, raising thousands of dollars for charity. A nice close to great day.

Buying Derby hats.

Waiting for the Derby to begin.

A fashionably dressed couple.

A perfect centerpiece.

The Derby Day Affair was a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends, experience first rate entertainment, see some amazing derby hats and attire, while enjoying dozens of horses of all sizes. This was my first year attending the Derby Day Affair, and I loved it so much that it is already on my calendar for next year.


Was is your favorite way to celebrate the Kentucky Derby?

THE POLO CLASSIC

Over the weekend I organized a group of friends to attend the 28th Annual Polo Classic, sponsored by Polo For Philanthropy, and held at the Twin City Polo Club field.

                                 (DiGregorio)

The Opening Parade.

                                 (DiGregorio)

                                 (DiGregorio)

                                 (DiGregorio)

Last year my friend Art and I went for the first time, and I absolutely loved it, so when it came time for the Classic this year, I set about getting a group of friends together to attend.

The Polo Gang!

                                 (Bartosik)

                                 (Bartosik)

                                 (DiGregorio)

                                 (Bartosik)

Fun with hats.

                                (Bartosik)

                                 (Bartosik)

We're not judging. Really!

The idea of playing polo in Minneapolis might seem strange to some of you, but actually we have been playing polo here for almost 100 years. It all began in the mid 1920's, with the Fort Snelling Polo Club. From then on, the home site has shifted to several locations, before settling on its current site in Maple Plain, in 1964.

                                 (DiGregorio)

The Classic is very dog friendly, and the dogs ranged from large . . . 

. . . To small.

                                             (DiGregorio)

                                             (DiGregorio)

Puppy in a purse.

Although Polo's roots go back to 500 B.C. in Persia, the game eventually found its way to India, where it was discovered by the British military, who brought the sport back to England, and refined its rules. It was in England that James Gordon Bennett, the publisher of the New York Herald, was introduced to the sport.

This 1929 Packard was by far my favorite classic car.

                                 (DiGregorio)

                                 (DiGregorio)

                                 (DiGregorio)

                                 (DiGregorio)

Clearly, the DeLorean was the most popular car with our group.

                                  (Bartosik)

                                 (Bartosik)

                                 (Bartosik)

Bennett brought the sport to the United States, and 1876, he hosted a party for a select group of friends, to introduce them to the "new" game of polo. This eventually lead to the founding of the Westchester Polo Club, in Newport, RI, which is the oldest polo club in the United States.

                                 (Bak)

                                (Bartosik)

                               (Bartosik)

                                (Bartosik)

                                (Bartosik)

                                 (Bartosik)

Joe trying to capture the perfect photo.

According the Newport International Polo Club's webpage, a decade later, polo had become so popular, that Bennett established the Westchester Cup match, and invited those same British Officers to compete in it. Today, this is one of the oldest international sporting events (only the America's Cup yachting championship is older).

                                (Bartosik)

It was great to see Paula (on the right), our tent coordinator again.

                                 (DiGregorio)

                                 (DiGregorio)

                                (Bak)

The famous divot stomping!

                                 (DiGregorio)

                                 (Pardue)

In addition to The Polo Classic, there are public auctions, silent auctions, hat competitions, and a classic car show. Truly something for everyone.

                                             (DiGregorio)

                                (Pardue)

Here's to the Ladies who polo!

                                 (DiGregorio)

                                (Bak)

                                 (Bak)

                                (Bartosik)

The Polo Classic, has definitely become one of my favorite summer events, and it was a lot of fun to introduce my friends to it this year. They loved it, and a great time was had by all!

(Several of my friends have contributed photos for this post, including, Joe Bartosik, Michael Bak, Carla Pardue, and Brian DiGregorio.)


Have you watched polo matches, and if so, where?