Gates open at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 13th, for the 10th Annual LeCompte/Kalaway Trail Owners Cup in Barrington Hills and Pre-Game festivities before the first match begin at noon. The Riding Club of Barrington Hills and the Barrington Hills Polo Club spent today preparing for the annual polo tournament and say they’re excited to welcome some exciting and very high profile new sponsors to this year’s event.
Thousands of people from around Chicagoland and beyond are expected to visit Barrington Hills for tomorrow’s polo tournament and all are welcome to join the fun. General Admission tickets cost $15 and kids are admitted for free.
Event Chairman Patty Meroni says this is Chicagoland’s largest and best-attended polo event of the year. “This year, we have teams sponsored by Trump Hotels, Lake Forest Sportscars, Medieval Times and two Barrington Hills families, the Elders and the Harringtons.”
The five sponsored teams will compete in two exciting matches along with a host of other attractions to appeal to spectators of all ages. The event promises fun for the entire family with the following tournament highlights:
Noon – Parade of Hounds & Pony Club Quadrille
During the Pre-Game festivities, enjoy a performance by the Fox River Valley Pony Club Quadrille (Sponsored by Trust Company of Illinois) and The Fox River Valley Hunt Club/Concord Hounds in the annual Parade of Hounds at noon. (Sponsored by Marquardt of Barrington)
12:30 – The Opening Game/Battle of the Sexes Polo Match
The opening game pits an all-female team against an all-male team in the “Battle of the Sexes,” a confrontation rarely seen in this country. The ladies, sponsored by the Elder family will face the men, sponsored by Medieval Times.
2:20 – The Second Match/LeCompte Kalaway Trail Owners Cup Polo Match
The second match is the LeCompte Kalaway Trail Owners Cup, named for the LeCompte family who provides the venue for the event and the late Ben Kalaway, a well-known and beloved horseman in Barrington Hills. Lake Forest Sportscars, Trump Hotel Chicago and the Harrington family team will compete in this prestigious match using a “round-robin” format developed by the United States Polo Association.
2nd Annual Medieval Times Jousting Exhibition
Back by popular demand, Medieval Times knights will return to hold a jousting exhibition and mock battle.
Patch 22 Hay Wagons
The popular Patch 22 hay wagons will give free rides and the young riders of the Fox River Valley Pony Club will demonstrate their skills. A “shoppers Midway” with vendors selling food, apparel, arts and crafts and even chiropractic services will be field side during the event.
Ladies Hat Competition
With prizes for the best ladies’ hats. Sponsored by Bentley Gold Coast Exotic Imports.
Tailgate Competition
Tailgaters can compete for the Peter Wessel Memorial Tailgate Award for the best tailgate parties sponsored by Partners Advisors, Ltd. Gold Coast Exotic Imports, Chicago’s Rolls Royce and Bentley dealership will sponsor a ladies hat competition.
The event will take place at the Oakwood Farms Polo Field on Deepwood Road just west of Bateman Road in Barrington Hills between Lake Cook and Route 62. Gates open at 11 a.m., the price of general admission is $15 and children under 12 are free.
The Riding Club of Barrington Hills and the Barrington Hills Polo Club co-host the event as a “thank you” for Barrington Hills trail landowners who allow riding trails across their properties. In addition to free admission, trail landowners will be served a complimentary gourmet feast under a private field side tent.
Our 365BarringtonTV video crew will be there to capture the tournament day excitement on camera and here’s a look back at last year’s event, courtesy of reporter Catherine Goetze.
