Annual polo tournament 'Game of Thrones' July 19 in Batavia
"Game of Thrones" is the theme for this summer's annual polo tournament on Sunday, July 19, at Blackberry Polo Field in Batavia. It raises funds for the Batavia Arts Council and Shakespeare on Clark.
The Blackberry Polo Field hosts polo matches all summer long, and runs two tournaments each summer. Barb and George Alexander, owners of the polo field, host the event as a fundraiser for various organizations. Batavia Fine Arts Center is the premiere sponsor, with the Batavia Arts Council and Shakespeare on Clark as co-beneficiaries this summer.
The Championship Match will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at the Blackberry Polo Field on Bliss Road just south of Main Street. Two teams will spare; the Red Team, hoping to defend their current championship status from last summer, sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing of Batavia, and the Blue Team, sponsored by A Mirror Image.
Attendees are encouraged to tailgate to the event theme "Game of Thrones" and prizes are awarded for the most creative tailgate bases on decor, menu, and/or activities.
"This is a full-on tailgate family event, as people park their vehicles along the edge of the polo field, and can bring blankets or lawn chairs to sit on, tents to sit under, and picnic baskets and coolers," stated Barb Alexander. "With this year's theme, think feast!"
During the actual game play, the announcer not only call the plays, but explain the rules and actions of the game for the novices who might be seeing a polo game for the first time. Between chukkers, the attendees head out onto the field to stomp down the divots from play … just like true royalty!
One highlight of each tournament is the wagon rides offered to all who attend. George Alexander hooks up his family of Clydesdale horses to his beautiful red wagon and heads out to the field. The horses are extraordinary to watch, and to ride around the field in the wagon is truly a rare experience.
There will be plenty of activity to keep children occupied during the match as well, from knightly games and princess activities to costume characters walking around the sidelines.
In addition, a Chinese auction will be held, with a wonderful variety of prizes designed for all interests, from dinners at local restaurants, golf outings, theater tickets, jewelry, craft beers, art works, antiques, wine tastings and spa treatments.
Tickets are on sale at www.bataviaartscouncil.org and at The Salvaged Heart, 14 N. Island Ave. in Batavia. Tickets purchased in advance through midnight July 18, are $10 for an individual, and $35 for a carload. Tickets at the gate will be sold at $15 for an individual and $45 per carload.
The Blackberry Polo Field is on Bliss Road, on the west side of the street, a short half-mile south of Main Street. Full details are available at www.bataviaartscouncil.org.