WHEN IS IT?
Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Blackberry Polo Club
1S990 Old Bliss Rd
Batavia, IL 60510
11am–Gates Open. Come early to get a good spot and set up your tailgate!
1pm–Tournament begins.
HOW MUCH IS IT?
Before the event: $10 per person, $40 per carload
WHAT’S THE OCCASION?
For decades, The Blackberry Polo Club right here in Batavia has been hosting Polo Tournaments. Last summer, Batavia STAGE was granted the opportunity to make this event our own. We grabbed onto this cool event as a way to build fellowship among our families, broaden our impact in the community, and raise needed funds to help support our program. Each year, STAGE (aka. Theater Boosters) raises over $30,000 to help fund and supplement the costs of our productions and student experiences: fall musical, winter play, improv troupe, spring play, Yes And Fest, Theater Fest, tech meals, Page McCloud Scholarship, and more! Your attendance and support at this event and throughout the year help us to ensure that "the show will go on."
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
THINK: Bears Tailgate + Arlington Racetrack + Ravinia. Pack a picnic, load up your coolers, and invite everyone! (No grills, please. The ponies don't like them). This will be a family friendly day of fun: polo matches, murder mystery, raffle baskets, 50/50 raffle, face painting, and more! There will be ice cream available for purchase, but the rest is up to your imagination! We'll have some fun and raise money for a great cause, too.
WHAT’S THE MYSTERY?
In the spirit of drama and theater, and in the tradition of this Blackberry Polo Club Tournament (don't worry if you don't know the rules of Polo--we'll give you a cheat sheet;), this year, like all years, has a theme. If you are not someone who likes to dress, act, or decorate in a theme and just want to tailgate, enjoy a beverage, and watch the match, please ignore the rest! Totally fine and you are welcome to do just that! But for the rest of you....
This polo tournament has always encouraged spectators to deck out their tailgates and don attire in the spirit of the theme (ie. 1970's, the Jazz Age, etc). This year, the theme will be a mystery: a murder mystery, that is. We are calling it a "Murder on Old Bliss." We have partnered with the Mystery Department, a professional group of actors who create and facilitate a murder mystery in all types of formats and venues. If you wish to participate in this Murder Mystery, you will be given a "detective" badge upon entry. That way, when the actors are roaming around, they'll know you are up for the challenge of solving this polo-themed murder mystery. We'll give you the synopsis and some clues before the event, so pay attention! Actors will begin circulating at 12pm, so be there early if you are game for a mystery! Prizes will be awarded to those who crack the case.
WHERE CAN I GET UP-TO-DATE DETAILS ABOUT THE EVENT?
Lastly, follow Batavia STAGE on Facebook to get updates about the event (especially in the case of inclement weather), and information about our event sponsors who have helped make this event possible.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS FOR THEIR GENEROUS DONATIONS.
Batavia Enterprises, Inc., Batavia Chamber of Commerce, Batavia MainStreet, Batavia Fine Arts Centre, Batavia Animal Clinic, Batavia Creamery, A Thin Line Tattoo, Big Bear Glasses, College Wingspan, Daddio's Diner, Jodi Mac Sweets & Treats LLC, Sturdy Shelter Brewing, Windmill Grille, BOJ -E- BIKES, Comedy Vault, Foltos Tonsorial Parlor, Gun Barrel Coffee Inc, Paula’s Couture Consignment, Prairie Path Cycles, All Dressed Up Costumes, Bulldog Plumbing, Inc., Kane County Cougars, Settler's Hill Golf Course, Fizzy Magic, Tanna Tap, Steel Beam Theatre, Westside Improv Studio, 5 Point Haunted House, Riverfront Playhouse, Limestone Coffee and Tea, Geneva Winery, The Mystery Department, Energy City Brewing, Blank Creations, The Blackberry Polo Club, and more! We appreciate you!