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Cool Stuff About Business and Entertainment in the Greater Harrisburg, PA Area. |
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Cool Stuff About Business and Entertainment in the Greater Harrisburg, PA Area. |
 One-Tank GetawayLancaster Polo Club By Sue Barry |
| When you think of the game of polo, you probably have visions of mounted men of royalty galloping with their mallets in hand in front of prim British spectators of yore. Cast those preconceived notions aside and steer yourself to a casual polo match and tailgate party in the tiny village of Rothsville, seven miles north of Lancaster City. On a recent glorious Sunday afternoon, a number of us packed picnic baskets with wine and cheese (and beer and pretzels), grabbed a blanket and some lawn chairs and set off to watch the Lancaster Polo Club vs. Bull Run Virginia at Forney Field. This drive took less than an hour from Harrisburg and provided hours of fun and relaxation on a lazy Sunday afternoon. As word of this best kept secret in Central Pennsylvania is slowly getting out, we went a bit early to find the perfect spot for watching the second fastest sport in the world (second to hockey). We parked our car and, as tailgating is encouraged, set up our picnic spread under a shady Norway Maple tree slightly back from the sidelines. We were ready to be captivated by the game of kings.
Deciding to stretch a bit after the enthralling action-packed show that seemed to take place just for us, we took a walk around the outskirts of the field and found all the spectators very friendly. Some polo fans dressed the part, with ladies in flowing skirts and wide brimmed hats, but many more people were comfortable in just shorts and T-shirts. A group of Amish teenagers were all lying on blankets, eyes glued to the playing field with their bicycles in a disheveled pile behind them. Everyone gets into this sport. Located next to the Chukker Club Tent (reserved for members), we stopped by the Lancaster Polo Shoppe, an outdoor set up with tables and backdrop, where Lancaster Polo Club shirts, sweats and gift items can be purchased at decent prices. As this day’s event was sponsored by the Lanco MG Club, those little British autos were everywhere, and patrons not stomping divots in between chukkers were admiring classic MG’s. When the game ended with a home team victory, the equine athletes were justly honored in a final awards ceremony. Not in a rush to leave quite yet? No fret, Lancaster Polo Club spectators are welcome to stay and enjoy the rest of a lovely Sunday afternoon. Polo matches are played at Forney Field on Sundays from May 24 through early October. Gates open at 1:00 P.M., match time is 2:30 P.M., weather permitting. Field side admission is $5/adult, children under 12 no charge. For a schedule and Lancaster Polo information, call 1-800-272-POLO. Directions What to Bring Where to Eat Reflections Scooter’s Great Events Where to Stay Eden Resort Inn General Sutter Inn Other Things to Do Sturgis Pretzel House Heritage Map Museum Ephrata, PA - The Farmers Market at Doneckers Ephrata Cloister Flavors of the Caribbean
While you are stomping divots between chukkers, take notice to the Chukker Club Tent. Normally unadorned, it has been transformed into an island paradise by Michael Tait, whose company builds elaborate stages for superstars like U2 and Pavarotti. Bold colored fishing nets and equally bright simulated fish dangle overhead and around potted palm trees. Live primitive birds cackle sporadically above sounds of calypso music. But, enough about the decor, onto the Flavors of the Caribbean competition. Spectators bring Caribbean-theme food and/or beverages along in place of their normal tailgate fare and that’s really it. Sure, some festive participants go the whole route with great presentations which include sand, umbrellas, greenery and vases full of birds-of-paradise and it's fun to look at the displays. But, the bottom line is taste. To give you an idea, here are some of the creative offerings that patrons have shared with the judges in the past. A drink called a Jamaican Jammer, was a first prize winning combination of pineapple, triple sec, amaretto, and limon rum in the beverage competition. Amongst the culinary offerings, Black Bean Mango Salsa resting in old fashioned wide-brimmed champagne glasses with plantain chips was a great hit. This was followed by Bohemian Chicken Tenderloin which had been grilled after being marinated overnight in a combination of coconut milk, cilantro, jalapeno and lime. Competitors from all over brought in their best jerk and although their offerings may not have been retrieved from those vividly painted, rickety, albeit utilitarian carts one comes to love in Jamaica, one competitor’s Jalapeno Jerk Spare Ribs had the same authentic flavor of allspice and thyme with the bite of Scotch bonnet chiles. While cool tropical fruit salads turned the heat down, another competitor’s traditional flan of caramel topped custard (entitled Gloria Esta“flan”), turned the beat around. Prizes for the contest are baskets of Caribbean filled goodies, bottles of Jamaican libations and tailgate companions (outdoor tableware and glasses). At the end of the polo match, the winners are announced and everyone (competitor or not) is invited to the Chukker Club Tent to meet the players and try a variety of beverages that the charming Anne Tait has spent the afternoon making. So once a year, pull out your favorite tropical island duds, kick back, and enjoy the flavors of the Caribbean at this polo paradise in Lancaster County. |
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The massive, nearly regulation-size
field of approximately ten acres (or ten football fields) appeared part of Lancaster
County’s dichotomy as it is surrounded by a new housing development to the south and
an Amish farm to the north. Excitement arose when the four men and women on each team were
positioned on their horses and began play - a game that vacillated from thundering hoofs
to one of stop and start, as battles for the ball made from bamboo root guided the ponies
down the field toward the goal. At the end of the first of six, seven-minute chukkers
(periods of play), spectators sauntered onto the playing field to stomp divots back into
place to get the field back in shape. As yet another chukker got under way it wasn’t
long until the play was in front of us at the sideboards almost incorporating us in part
of the game. Standing back we let the players guide the agile ponies of Thoroughbred and
Quarter Horse mix to get that ball onto the more open playing field.
As if the fun and
excitement of polo is not enough, once a year, the Lancaster Polo Club transforms into a
tropical and culinary paradise during the Caribbean Cup Polo Match. On the first Sunday in
August, Michael and Anne Tait host a Caribbean food and drink competition while at the
same time the Lancaster Polo Club hosts an opposing team. It’s a fun day watching
both competitions and even more fun participating in the tailgate event.