The biggest polo party of the year, otherwise known as the ninth annual Land Rover Palm Beach International Gay Polo Tournament, kicks off the final month of the season.
The tournament is scheduled for April 7 at International Polo Club Palm Beach, 3667 120th Ave. S., in Wellington with the first game at 1 p.m. and the final at 3 p.m. This is the event’s third year at IPC during the prestigious U.S. Open.
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“From the beginning it was a special event, and it has found its place,” said Wellington’s Chip McKenney, founder and president of the Gay Polo League. “It’s as much a social event as a sports event in the LGBTQ space with the tailgate competition and so much more.”
There is action on and off the field. The imaginative tailgates, with themes featuring vibrant costumes and gourmet dishes, surround the field. On the field, each team will be anchored by a professional player — 2-goaler Tiffany Busch, 4-goaler Matt Coppola, 4-goaler Joey Casey and 6-goaler Nacho Badiola.Find out what it looks like to have more time for the job you love. Free Up.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Lake Worth-based Compass Youth Services, which helps at-risk LGBTQ youth in education, health and homelessness.
The event is expected to raise at least $25,000, according to McKenney, “funds that are so desperately needed.”
There is also an iconic pre-party – Wigstock! – 7 p.m. April 6 at the Wanderers Club, 1900 Aero Club Drive, in Wellington.
The event continues to grow every year, McKenney said, with players and spectators coming in from all over the United States, Canada and France.
“Every year we get a stronger base, because we are inclusive,” he said.
For the tournament, general admission tickets are $30 and parking is $10 per vehicle. VIP parking is $25. For information about the event, including VIP packages and Wigstock!, visit gaypolo.com.