Everyone is welcome to join Will Rogers’ family and friends for the Union Bank Dog Iron Polo Cup, commemorating the day Will Rogers, Beverly Hills’ First Honorary Mayor, was tragically killed in a plane crash.
Co-Chair of the event Jennifer Rogers, the actor’s great-great- granddaughter, is also co-founder of the Will Rogers Foundation, dedicated to preserving the 186-acre park and historic home and polo fields of the late actor, comedian and humanitarian.
The Dog Iron was Rogers cattle brand and now, it serves as the symbol of this fun event.
Check-in begins at 3:30 p.m. with opening ceremonies to commemorate that fateful day featuring the Posting of Colors and fly over by the Condor Squadron with the missing plane formation.
Polo begins at 4:30 with a Veuve Clicquote Champagne Divot Stamp at 5 p.m. Then, the party really begins with Post-Polo festivities, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and live entertainment.
Tours of the historic ranch home will be ongoing throughout the day.
“This year is a little different,” said Jennifer Rogers. “Instead of a brunch we are doing a cocktail reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres so the polo players can come off the field and mingle with the guests.” Live entertainment will be provided by Janet Klein.”This is going to be a lot of fun.”
Each year, the Rogers family reunite to commemorate Will Rogers untimely passing. Polo teams will be decided in a tournament prior to the event. This is the lat remaining polo field in Los Angeles, and the event sports an A-list of guests. Everyone is encouraged to wear their best polo gear and ladies are encouraged to wear hats and dresses.
Duke Bourbon will bring their tasting truck; Craft Beer will be sharing their microbrews; Malibu’s Rosenthal Winery will be sharing their finest and of course Veuve Clicquot will share the stage. Each will host their own tasting lounge.
Tickets are $150; virtually 100% of the proceeds will remain in the park for the benefit of interpretive programs and restoration of the home and grounds. This is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Foundation, said Rogers, adding that Friday August 14 is the Tenth Annual “Movie in Will’s Backyard” night.
Friday’s feature flick is “Will Rogers: Look Back in Laughter” with Chevy Chase, Harold Ramis and Robin Williams. Parking is at a reduced rate of $6 after 6 p.m. so bring a picnic, snuggle down with a blanket and enjoy the show – shot at the Park! (Stop at the Visitor’s Center and purchase a commemorative Will Rogers State Historic Park picnic basket!). The event is produced by the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation with the Pacific Palisades Historical Society. A special Q&A with the film’s creators will start the film, featuring producers Malcolm Lee, Bonnie Peterson, Hildegarde Duane and screenwriter Bennett Tramer.
Will Rogers State Historic Park and Polo Field is located at 1501 Will Rogers State Park Rd., Pacific Palisades CA 90272. For more information about the park, the Foundation and the to purchase tickets for the event visit www.WillRogersRanchFoundation.org
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