52 NOVEMBER 2017 ArcAd A News By Rachael Bouley M ajestic horses. Thrilling competition. Cuisine from top Valley restaurants. DJs and dancing. All of that and more is on deck for the Seventh Annual Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships. Dubbed “America’s most attended polo event,” the polo party shines a light on the growing sport while supporting local causes. Every November, thousands flock to WestWorld of Scottsdale to enjoy the array of activities, including sporting showdowns, a Barrett Jackson car display and private VIP tents with the best of the best in Arizona shopping and dining. For the first time, the event has expanded to two days, November 11 and 12. Founder and ‘88 Arcadia High School graduate Jason Rose says being able to create an event like this and watch it grow is really special. What began as a small, grant- supported effort to promote the sport has blossomed into an event much like the Phoenix Open, but for polo rather than golf. “In 2011, we set out and put up some tents and DJs, not knowing quite what to expect, and 2,300 people showed up on that beautiful day,” Rose said. “Seven years later, we have more than 10,000 people attending...it’s been quite the evolution.” The event has also been lucky to host some of the most decorated polo players in the world and get household names like reigning Daytona 500 Champ Kurt Busch and Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson to deliver the first ball drops, much like a first pitch in baseball. Teams travel from global destinations such as Monte Carlo and Bentley Polo Championships founded by Arcadian ES & HORSEPOWER ES ES & & HORSEPOWER HORSEPOWER HORS Our programs are internationally-recognized - stop in and find out why! Heated indoor pool & small class sizes BABY SPLASH ages 8 wks - 5 mos LITTLE SNAPPERS ages 6 - 35 mos GROUP LESSONS ages 3 - 12 yrs Our Riverview location is just 15 minutes from Arcadia HUBBARDSWIM.COM · 602.971.4044 SPLASH, PLAY & LEARN! Redefining Swim Lessons since 1998

53 NOVEMBER 2017 ARCAD A NEWS Switzerland to compete in front of thousands of guests. “We have dog fashion shows, day clubs, DJs and dancing alongside the field... that doesn’t exist anywhere in the world of polo,” Rose said. “People tell their friends about it, and many have heard about it now because the experience is unlike any other- it’s a combination of a spring training game, the Phoenix Open and Cirque du Soleil.” Bringing the polo party to life every year requires hard work, dedication and supportive sponsors like Wells Fargo, Barrett Jackson and Neiman Marcus. “It’s a year-long endeavor,” Rose said. “But as I say to many people, there’s worse things in the world than working on a polo party in Scottsdale, Arizona.” The event benefits several non-profit polo clubs in the area, helping them to continue playing the sport they love. The polo party also raises money for several organizations such as Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer and the Mission 31 Foundation, started by the Cardinals’ Johnson. Supporting these causes is easy when there’s so much to see and do. While organizers originally faced concerns over the lack of familiarity with polo, the variety of activities and entertainment proved to be the recipe for success. “We’re a balancing act, providing great polo, great fashion, beautiful cars to look at, and adding new things to intrigue people,” Rose said. “You certainly don’t have to be a fan of polo to enjoy an extraordinary day of fun and partying.” Some of this year’s additions include performances by the Southwest Shakespeare Company and the Phoenix Opera, as well as Fried & Fizzy, a pop-up restaurant specializing in fried chicken and champagne by acclaimed Chef Michael DeMaria. For more information, check out thepoloparty.com. In addition to polo, there are a wide variety of attractions, including a luxury car show by Barrett-Jackson, high-end shopping, dog fashion shows and unique food. The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships started off as a relatively small event, but now in its seventh year, has grown to offer something for everyone and expects to host more than 10,000 people at WestWorld of Scottsdale this year. All Faiths Welcome • Pre-K through Eighth Grade • Indexed Tuition Available • All Saints’ Episcopal Day School • 6300 North Central Avenue • Phoenix, Arizona 85012 • 602.274.4866 • www.aseds.org • www.facebook.com/PhoenixASEDS All Saints’ Episcopal Day School admits students of any race, color, or national origin. Educating Children Head to Soul Since 1963, All Saints’ Episcopal Day School has offered a top-tier education while encouraging students to realize their highest potential as lifelong learners, artists, athletes, and leaders of the future. Our teachers teach what they love. We employ 17 specialists in the areas of music, Spanish, physical education, band, art, religion, library, and technology. We also have a full time school counselor, a Learning Resource Coordinator, and Technology and Design Thinking Specialist. In recent history, 99% of our graduates were accepted to their first-choice high school. Come see why 90% of alumni respondents rate their overall satisfaction with All Saints’ as “high” or “very high.” — Independent Alumni Survey November 08 | December 06 | Januar y 10 Join Us For an Open House