Newport Polo Club

by Vera Thornton

Newport International Polo Series
When: Saturdays in July & August at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Glen Farm, 715 East Main Road (Route 138), Portsmouth

I have always wanted to see a polo match. But although it was the first international sporting event in the world (if you don’t count the Olympics) it’s so out of the recreational mainstream that there aren’t that many opportunities to watch it. Well, now I have my chance! Newport is the international polo capital of the world, and each Saturday in the summer the Newport International Polo Club has matches that are open to the public. They take place at the historic 100-acre Glen Farm, with its classic stone barns and park-like grounds. This series attracts top rivals from all over the globe, and has been taking place since 1886. Tailgate picnics on the lawn are welcome, and there is also grandstand seating in General Admission. Think of the skill it takes to maneuver a powerful thundering horse with one hand, while you pound away with the mallet in the other - this is non-stop action!
Try the Shamrock Farm Inn for a perfect weekend getaway in lovely Portsmouth - it's a gracious country inn with an Irish theme and beautiful gardens, perfect for a polo retreat.

Tickets:
General Admission ~ $10/adult; children 15 & under/free
Tickets are sold at the entry gates, which open two hours prior to the start of the matches.



Asado Lamb Roast
When: Saturday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Glen Farm, 715 East Main Road, Portsmouth

Following the 5:00 p.m. USA vs. Ireland polo match, a lamb roast will be held as a tribute to the Irish Polo Team, who have been participating since the international matches began. The Argentine tradition of spit-roasting lamb has become a part of polo culture since the Argentine players began dominating the sport in the 80's. The meat is slow-roasted for the ultimate tenderness, a satisfying delicacy after a hard-fought match. There is a cash bar, reservations are required, and tickets must be paid in advance by July 14th, so don't delay! Polo match tickets are sold separately at the gate.

Tickets for the Lamb Roast: $37.
For reservations and information please call (401) 847-7090.

The International Polo Series is sponsored, among others, by Pearls Boutique Hotels of Newport.

Photo Credit:
All photos courtesy of The Newport Polo Club.

Newport Pirate Fest

by Vera Thornton

When: Saturday, May 24, 2008 from 10:00 a.m.
Where: Downtown Newport

Calling all rogues and seadogs! The 2nd Annual Pirate Fest for pirates of all ages takes place in downtown Newport and includes a Treasure Hunt, Pirate School, a Walking Tour, and the Buccaneers Ball. A swashbuckling good time, and be warned that no weapons are allowed except plastic swords and cutlasses.

10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Lots of cool events are happening all day at the Thomas Tew Thieves Market at Brick Market Place. Here you can purchase authentic period clothing and pirate paraphernalia, and pick up a map and the first clue for the Treasure Hunt. Also featuring a Kiddie Pirate Costume Contest, and a Swordfighting Demonstration. You can learn to act and talk like a pirate….arrr matey! in Family Pirate School, and see buccaneer styles in the Pirate Fashion Show. The Swashbuckler Sing-Off welcomes groups and individuals to compete and win a prize for performing classic or original pirate chanteys; winners to be determined by the audience. Better loosen up those pipes with a bit of grog.

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Pirate Treasure Hunt through downtown Newport. Maps are sold for $1 at the Thieves Market, and you have two hours to find the buried treasure.

11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cap’n Nick’s Newport Pirate Walk – a 90 minute narrated walking tour led by costumed buccaneers, full of pirate history and rogues’ tales.
Tickets: $15/adults, $10/children, 6 – 17
(401) 294-4922
Tickets also available at the Visitors Information Center, 23 America’s Cup Avenue.

11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Rum Tasting and Grog at the Tropical Pirate Bar, 345 Thames Street
Now this is sure to be a crowd pleaser for all the thirsty pirates!

5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Smugglers’ Cocktail Cruise aboard the Rum Runner II, departing from Bannister’s Wharf
$25/person; reservations recommended.
(401) 847-0298




8:00 p.m.
Buccaneer’s Ball
Newport Yachting Center, 4 Commercial Wharf, off America’s Cup Avenue
Shiver me timbers - the official final event to end the day! A pirate/tropical theme, of course, with costume contests and costumed entertainment. Drop anchor and prepare to board!
Tickets: $25/guests over 21 only




Photo Credits:
Photo #1: Cap'n Nick's Newport Pirate Walk
Photo #2 & #3: Flappin Flag