A Picture Perfect Day For Polo

Grand Rapids is not usually the first thing that comes to mind when you think of polo, but on this quiet corner of the midwest, polo has been a fixture since 1950. Meadowview Farms in Lowell was the host of the Fred L. Hansen Charity Polo Classic to benefit Vicky's Pet Connection, a local non-profit dedicated to rescuing, caring for and placing homeless and abandoned pets back in our community. On the field, it was the battle between
host Grand Rapids and the visiting Detroit Polo Club. 

Thanks to Jimmy Le, and host, Katie Johnson of Meadowview, I was able to partake in this longstanding tradition right in my own backyard. A couple hundred guests dressed in polo classic to Miami chic garb, gathered on this beautiful afternoon to raise awareness for VPC's mission and also expose many to the game. Many of the spectators watched from the sidelines, complete with picnic blankets and outdoor chairs. A VIP tent hosted polo royalty and local supporters to a sumptuous buffet prepared by the Gilmore Collection and creative beverages by the Grand River Grocery. At the half, with a glass of champagne on hand, I joined the other spectators in the traditional divot stamping to help level the field for play.

In the end, the home team defeated Detroit, 12-8. But I learned quickly that events like these celebrate the traditions of the game more than the game result. The riders joined the guests for the awards ceremony and post game festivities. Guests stayed on to enjoy the band and conversation with friends as a golden sunset dipped into the West Michigan horizon. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day in Michigan.