You don’t often think of polo in the Pacific Northwest. In a
land of hiking, kayaking and trail riding, you’ll be surprised to find out that
there are polo clubs and polo ponies. And now, you can enjoy polo close to
Portland at a new charity event, open to the public.
The Oregon Polo Classic, the state’s first charity polo
event, is set for July 23-24 at Hidden Creek Polo Club in West Linn. Presented
by the Classic Wines Auction (CWA), the two-day event will feature activities
for both kids and adults, including hat competitions, opportunities to meet the
horses and players, a brunch buffet, silent auction, and traditional champagne
divot stomp.
Money raised by the Oregon Polo Classic will benefit Boys
& Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area, Doernbecher Children’s
Hospital Foundation and CWA’s five legacy charity partners. Event proceeds will
support children and families in need throughout Oregon and Southwest
Washington. CWA has raised nearly $40 million for its benefiting charities
since its inception in 1982.
Horse lover or not, it’s exciting to watch polo. Dating back
to sixth century B.C., polo originated in Persia as a sport played by noblemen
and members of the military, before spreading to current-day Turkey, India,
China and the rest of Asia. Polo made an appearance in Portland back in the
1960s, and 50 years later, the sport has returned to the Rose City.
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| Hidden Creek Polo Club |
The Oregon Polo Classic is a weekend-long event:
Family Day – July 23, noon to 4 p.m.
The first day of the Oregon Polo Classic will cater to
families, offering kid-friendly events and activities. Kids will get a chance
to learn about polo, meet some of the players and their horses, and participate
in a fun hat competition. Tickets include a specialty brunch for kids and
adults, as well as four adult beverage tickets for craft beer, wine and
specialty event cocktails. Tickets start at $25 for kids 13 and up, and $75 for
adults. Kids 12 and under can attend for free. Tickets for the Veuve Clicquot
VIP area are $150.
Championship Day – July 24, noon to 5 p.m.
Day two of the event, Championship Day, is specially
designed for adults 21 and older. Attendees will see the very first Oregon
Polo Classic Champion crowned on Championship Day. Attendees are
encouraged to wear their very best garden party attire, extravagant derby
hats and seersucker suits. The day will include multiple polo matches, a brunch
buffet, and a traditional champagne divot stomp. Championship Day will also
feature a silent auction and a whiskey and cigar tent. Silent auction items
will include wine, travel packages, beauty services, local excursions and gift
certificates to area retailers.
Championship Day tickets are $175 for general admission and $250
for exclusive access to the Veuve Clicquot VIP area.
Oregon Polo Classic tickets range in price from $25 for
youth admission on Family Day to $3,000 for a reserved sponsor table for 10 on
Championship Day. Weekend passes for adults are also available at a reduced
price.
It looks to be an exciting and fun event. I'll be there covering Sunday's match for the luxury travel e-zine, Wander With Wonder and will bring back photos of the action on the field and off.
Hidden Creek Polo Club is located at 3000 SW Homesteader
Rd., West Linn.
For more information about the Oregon Polo Classic and to
purchase tickets, call (503) 972-0194 or visit www.classicwinesauction.com
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