If you’re like me, you miss live events. While talking to digital squares has become all the rage, I sorely miss physically seeing and interacting with human beings outside of my bubble.
Thankfully, the Wicket World of Croquet will go forward on Saturday, September 12. The tournament takes place annually on the lawn of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site and is designed to welcome players of all (or no) skill level. The day is full of good food, good drink, and yard games. What’s not to like?
The 2020 edition of the tournament will be different. It has to be. In an effort to be safe, some new wrinkles have been added:
- Each player will be given a branded mask (required) provided by The Shop Indy
- Each player gets assigned a personal mallet for the day (no more sharing)
- Courts are configured with team boxes and only one player is allowed on court at a time
- Rather than one large tent with tables/chairs, pods will be set up across the 2.5 acres
- Sanitation stations will be located throughout
The outdoor setting and limited size of the event fits within mandated safety guidelines. Now that you feel safe, on to the fun portion of this post.
This configuration of croquet is a team game. You and your partner will get a minimum of four matches in the first round. If you make it to the championship of either the Leisure of the Competitive Bracket, you’ll be playing up to seven matches. The goal is to collectively get through as many as wickets as possible to score points and advance.
Throughout the day, you will be treated to food and beverages. Start the day with Tinker Street Coffee and the artisan donuts from Books Bourbon & Bacon. Enjoy local beer from Sun King Brewing and cocktails from Hotel Tango Distillery. Lunch will be provided, and you’ll get cookies from 4 Birds Bakery. No matter how you fare in the tournament, your tummy will be a winner.
Funds raised from the Wicket World of Croquet are used year-round to support programming that encourage civic engagement. In a major election year, this is a cause we can all support. In addition to the Presidential Site being an actual polling location, it is also a museum and theater and hub of civil discourse.
I invite you to safely gather with us, enjoy a beautiful day on the lawn, and support a vital Indianapolis institution. I hope you see you at the 2020 Wicket World of Croquet.