Have you heard about the city’s most fashionable fundraiser? If not you’re missing out. I finally made it out to Polo in the Park this year and the event did not disappoint. The 2018 edition of this fundraiser which benefits Wounded Warriors Canada and the Rotary Club of Ottawa South was held on Saturday July 7th.
The Venue
I spent a lovely day outside at Wesley Clover parks. The event was so well organized and provided attendees with a relaxing and fun filled day in the park. There was visible signage as you approached the park entrance and a triage desk to direct drivers to the appropriate parking spots. The organizers even had golf carts to drive people from the parking area to the main event area.
The Experience
Tickets went on sale earlier this Spring and I just had to take advantage of the early bird pricing. The event offers many different ticket packages and options. I chose the VIP experience as I was taking advantage of the early bird discount. I must say it was well worth the extra cash. VIP guests had their own parking area closer to the event and golf carts to drive you up to the VIP tent. Inside the tent there were tables and chairs with goodie bags ready and waiting for us. Guests were presented with lunch and a tea service catered by the Brookstreet Hotel. The VIP tent also had the best views of the fashion show, hat contest and the polo match.
In addition to the polo there were also some vendors and stalls, a silent auction and a photo booth. This was a family and pet friendly event.
The Clothes
All guests were encouraged to put on their best hat and come out for a day in the park. There were so many people sporting stylish outfits and fascinators, it was a treat to see them all. The hat contest was a truly inclusive event which had many different categories including; DIY hat, Colts and Fillies (for kids), Dapper Dan, Too Hot to Trot and Hattitude. As I had opted for a more conservative look that day I did not enter the hat contest, although admission was included with my VIP ticket.
The Match
The main event was a battle of the sexes polo match between the ladies from Three Wild Women and the gents from the Ottawa Business Journal. This was a riveting experience for me as I’d never seen a live polo match before. The gents prevailed over the ladies in the end but the match was full of drama and excitement with some gents falling off their horses and some close calls where the score was concerned.
My Outfit
I opted for a more mainstream look for the event as this was my first year attending. I decided to wear my favourite polka dot dress from Suzy Shier which I paired with white wedges and a white fascinator. I brought along my picnic basket bag which I picked up on my latest trip to Sri Lanka as I thought it went well with the event and the venue 🙂
The Verdict
I loved attending Polo in the Park this year and I’m looking forward to the event in 2019. The event chair Monique and her team did a fantastic job putting this event together. Polo in the Park is something that’s definitely worth checking out if you live in Ottawa or are planning on visiting next Summer. What’s more fun than dressing up, enjoying some time outside, watching a polo match and supporting some great charities?!
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4 comments
Was nice bumping into you! You’ll remember us as the couple with the two tiny dogs. 🙂 See you next year?
Likewise! So nice meeting you both and your adorable pets! I checked out your blog on traveling with a small dog 🙂 I have a Yorkie so you have some helpful info for me too! And yes definitely hope to see you next year.
I’m glad you had a great experience but mine was not as great. We opted for general admission only. It was a long, bumpy walk to the event from parking lot. Mostly through grass. For lunch, there was only one food truck with one person assisting. The lineup was extremely long and it took almost an hour waiting for our food all the while missing time to roam around. The two other food trucks were a doughnut and ice cream truck. That’s it for food unless you opt for the picket basket for two for $100 or your vip package.
The polo match was fun but you’re sitting on bleachers with no back support. While this may be ok for young people, it’s not ok for others especially seniors.
I was so looking forward to this event but for us, it was a bit of a disappointment.
Sorry to hear that you had a bad experience. Perhaps you can give your feedback to the organizers so they can improve on the event for next year 🙂 I believe they sent out a survey today.