A family tradition has been in place in our household  for approximately the last 11 years. Every Sunday, in lieu of getting dressed and ready to worship at a house of prayer, we load up our truck and head to the polo fields.

Years ago we attended the games at Palm Beach Polo in Wellington, Florida where we were first introduced to the sport. For the last few years we’ve been part of the faithful at the International Polo Club in Wellington. Located in the heart of this bedroom community, the IPC becomes a focal location for our family and friends from January through April.

Once thought to be a sport only enjoyed by the rich and elite, polo is truly a sport that can be enjoyed by those from all walks of life (from the beer drinkers to champagne). Like most sporting events, seating costs may vary but at polo, the least expensive seats are by far the best! (At least in this writer’s opinion) That’s where we are- we tailgate. We are right on the field, just feet away from the thundering horses and their agile riders. The sound as they approach is exhilarating!

As the organizer of our spot, I select a theme for each of our weekends so our guests can plan to bring snacks and beverages accordingly. This year the IPC has followed our lead and has encouraged all tailgaters to do the same. Some of the themes they have selected are Winter Wonderland, Football Fiesta, Jungle Safari, etc. This coming week, I’ll be hosting a theme of my own, Asian Aura where our foods will be of Asian culture and our decorations will reflect that culture as well. We’ll also have a massage therapist providing hand and neck massages for our guests (provided free of charge by a local vendor). These ideas add to the festivities and our guests are encouraged to dress as a reflection of the theme for added fun. The children that attend usually get a big kick out of this, attending somewhat of a costume party weekly!

That’s the beauty of tailgating at polo; it’s a family event… All aspects of polo offer something for every age group. For the children there are bounce houses, horses, fresh air and yummy treats. For the adults, the games themselves may be the draw but people watching, good food, music and great conversations, make this an event that can’t be missed. We extend the afternoon fun by holding bocce tournaments at our tent. This friendly competition often continues until the sun goes down and we break down our tent until we meet again next Sunday.

If you’ve never attended a polo match, try to do so. Polo is played throughout our country and of course abroad. Fortunately for us, the International Polo Club is within miles of our home. We’re fortunate in that we load up our truck with tables, chairs, barb b q, cooler and decorations  with the anticipation of seeing familiar faces and looking forward to meeting new ones. If you have a moment, visit these web sites to see the polo that I love. And if you’re in town stop by and say hello at tent NE-21 on any given Sunday afternoon!

www.internationalpoloclub.com

www.ratnersportsphotography.com

(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)