Despite the cool temperatures, the Sarasota Polo Club grounds were tropical during the match Sunday, Jan. 24.
Hawaiian luau themed the tailgate. Attendees wore leis and, the more dedicated, cooked up ham and pineapple snacks. Southside Polo played Whiskey Pond.
Abbie Wonnell and her friends came out to the grounds to tailgate and watch the match. She said they attend regularly, and actively recruit new people to come and watch polo.Â
"It's something totally unique to our area," she said. "It's sunday funday!"
Southside Polo player Matt Sekera reaches for the ball.
Amber Hawkins and Stuart Bailey of Sarasota went all out on the Hawaiian luau theme. "It brings out the fun," Hawkins said.
Alyssa, Eugene and Emma Cappelluti of Bradenton and their niece, Leigh McEachron sport tropical leis at the tailgate.
Chris Lindhardt of St. Petersburg and Joe Steele of Clearwater stack their blocks during a game of Kubb.
Chris Lindhardt of St. Petersburg tries to knock over a block, without usurping the castle, during a game of Kubb.
Alec McCain of Bradenton gets a high five from Southside Polo player, Buck Schott.
Melanie Lehmann of Sarasota gives Squirrel the Great Dane from Big Dog Ranch Rescue a kiss for good behavior.
Dana Aschinger of Lexington, Ken., and Burt prepare to carry the flag on the field before the match.
Umpire Ronnie Hayes helps get Lady suited up for the match.
Winston the Clydesdale waits for halftime with his hitch-mate Morgan and handlers George Alexander and Fran Rebeack of Illinois.
Isabella Tanner, Abbie Wonnell, Rubie Gaudette, Anna Malone and Kim Baughman of Bradenton.
Southside Polo player Buck Schott and Whiskey Pond player Jamie Mirikitani chase the ball.
