SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – It’s a season full of special events at Saratoga Polo with black-tie galas, the traditional tailgate and hat competitions, and other evenings designed just for fun.
“On Aug. 4, we’re hosting a benefit for The Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame – a roast to celebrate the recent induction of our Director of Polo, Tony Coppola into the Hall,” said co-owner Jim Rossi. “Among the special guests that evening will be John Walsh who hosts the television program, America’s Most Wanted, and one of Tony’s fellow polo players. Tony has been vital to the growth of Saratoga Polo and has been involved in all aspects of the sport for decades. With a Rat Pack theme, we’re looking forward to a fantastically fun event,” Mr. Rossi said.
Other Special events at Saratoga Polo during the 2006 season follow. All events take place rain or shine on the Saratoga Polo grounds, corner of Bloomfield and Denton Roads.
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7/29 – 16th Annual Satin, Silks & Stars Gala, A New York Special Olympics’ Benefit
Hey, Big Spender is the theme for this exciting black-tie gala that gets underway at 6:30 p.m. Mingle with the stars, dance and sing along with Top Shelf, bid on bountiful gift packages or fur coats. Admire the courage and skill of the Special Olympian Equestrian team during their demonstration. Enjoy the fabulous cuisine that features an entrée of Steak Mignon and Shrimp Brochette. For more information, visit www.specialolympicsny.org.
7/30 – Annual Hat Contest
Wear your best chapeau and be part of the half-time fun as the match for the coveted Whitney Cup is underway. Stomp the divots (a polo half-time tradition) as you join the fun of entering this year’s contest for great prizes. Plus, watch a fashion show prepared by Saratoga Trunk.
8/1 – The 26th Annual Palamountain Cup, A Skidmore College Benefit
A Mardi Gras theme has been chosen for this 26th annual fundraiser entitled Polo by Twilight. The evening begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m., with the polo match beginning at 5:45 p.m. Saratoga Polo catering is preparing a Sumptuous Cajun Feast for approximately 600 guests. For more information, contact the Office of Donor Relations at Skidmore College, 518-580-5671.
8/2 – Old Saratoga Evening
Watch the old-fashioned horse and carriages parade on the grounds during halftime. The carriage parade is part of a nationwide effort to raise funds for the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, where Kentucky Derby Winner, Barbaro, has been treated for the multiple fractures suffered during the Preakness.
8/4 – The Ultimate Tony Coppola Roast, a benefit for the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame
With Master of Ceremonies, John Walsh, host of America’s Most Wanted
“The Rat Pack” is the theme for a celebration in the style of the famous “Dean Martin Celebrity Roast” as Tony Coppola, director of Saratoga Polo Operations, gets roasted and toasted starting at 7:30 p.m. to celebrate his recent induction into the Polo Hall of Fame. Instrumental in the resurgence of Saratoga Polo, Tony has done it all, starting at age nine: player, coach, teacher, announcer, organizer, club manager, promoter and owner of one of the most successful and prominent business in polo, the Tackeria. For almost 40 years, he has continued to be a true friend to polo by initiating and supporting many worthwhile charitable organizations. Tickets for the event are $150 per person and more information is available by calling Saratoga Polo at 518-584-8108. Dinner Jacket suggested.
8/5 – Party for a Cause, benefit for the Morrell Center at the Children’s Hospital of Albany Medical Center.
Featuring the Saratoga Polo All-Star Party Band and hosted by John Walsh of television’s America’s Most Wanted, starting at 7 p.m., rain or shine in the tented areas overlooking Whitney Field. Admission is $25 per person and each ticket includes a complimentary specialty beverage, a choice of any one food item from our Saratoga Polo Festival Fare and a donation to the Morrell Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders. Casual. Public welcome.
8/6 – Lexus Cup and Annual Tailgate Competition
Continuing the theme of through the weekend, the 2006 theme for the Tailgate Competition is, The Rat Pack. Prizes will be awarded in several categories. Tailgate set up begins when gates open at 4 p.m. Judging takes place during halftime with prizes given after the trophy presentation.
8/12 – Party for a Cause, benefit for the YMCA of Saratoga
Featuring the Saratoga Polo All-Star Party Band, starting at 7 p.m., rain or shine in the tented areas overlooking Whitney Field. Admission is $25 per person and each ticket includes a complimentary specialty beverage a choice of any one food item from our Saratoga Polo Festival Fare and a donation to the YMCA of Saratoga. Casual. Public welcome.
8/13 – Classic Car Show
A Saratoga Polo tradition returns on Sunday when Classic Cars take to the grounds for this annual event.
8/16 – Cigar Nights – Gentlemens’ Smokers
Join WROW morning talk show host, Paul Vandenburgh, from 6 to 10 p.m. to enjoy a sampling fine cigars, Bourbons and other fine spirits. call 518-786-6679 for details
8/18 – 8th Annual David N. Deutsch & Co. Polo Cup
Saratoga Springs is David N. Deutsch’s hometown and he shares it with his clients, business associates, friends of his investment banking firm and their families for a weekend each year that includes business discussion and an annual polo match. David N. Deutsch & Company is headquartered in Manhattan.
8/19 – Party for a Cause, benefit for the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council
Featuring the Saratoga Polo All-Star Party Band, starting at 7 p.m., rain or shine in the tented areas overlooking Whitney Field. Admission is $25 per person and each ticket includes a complimentary specialty beverage, a choice of any one food item from our Saratoga Polo Festival Fare and a donation to the Saratoga Economic Opportunity Council, a community action agency helping low income residents of the Saratoga area become economically self-sufficient. Casual. Public welcome.
8/20 – Bridal Show
Before the polo match, enjoy the beautiful setting of the historic polo grounds while planning the perfect wedding. Information will be available on everything a bride-to-be needs to know including gowns, limousines, photographers, bands, cakes, flowers and catering.
8/25 – Dr. R. Merritt Brown Family Cup
Dr. Brown is an Executive Dentist in Morristown, New Jersey. And, to celebrate his 25th anniversary in business, is hosting an equestrian-themed weekend in Saratoga for his family, clients and all who have helped his business. Dr. Brown developed his love of Saratoga Springs while he spent many summers as a teenager working for his grandfather on his Golf Course in Chestertown.
8/26 – Party for a Cause, benefit for Pop Warner Challenger Program
A Post-Travers Party, featuring the Saratoga Polo All-Star Party Band, starting at 7 p.m., rain or shine in the tented areas overlooking Whitney Field. Admission is $25 per person and each ticket includes a complimentary specialty beverage, a choice of any one food item from our Saratoga Polo Festival Fare and a donation the Challenger Program, offering flag football and cheerleading to children ages 5-12 with special needs. Casual. Public welcome.