THE VICTORY CUP

by Norma Poindexter

Soaring over the gorgeous South Carolina beaches in a colorful, huge Hot Air Balloon or high-flying helicopter bright and early in the morning or at a dazzling sunset, we are only kicking-off or peacefully concluding our day at the Charleston Hot Air Balloon Festival and Polo Match on St. Johns Island. Sandwiched in between the breathtaking, picturesque, coastal rides is the signature event beginning at noon, The Victory Cup, considered “America’s Polo Match”, with magnificent horses, beautiful green grass, dramatic heart-pounding polo play, and of course, incredible seafood feasts and local chefs’ farm to table delights served in the VIP tent.

We choose the Golden Mallet and VIP passes to open a world of all day, free-flowing Rosé wine, lobsters, crab, oysters, wine, spirits, beer, and unique farm to table experiences from dozens of local chefs and restaurants while mingling with the Polo players. Live music accompanies the feasts and thrilling Polo Match celebrations, and as they say, you can never be too dressed-up for Polo, and many participants dress to impress. The Victory Cup makes kids happy too with conveniently located, fun- filled children’s areas.

After thrilling, high-speed Polo matches with the majesty of the horses, and extraordinary local feasts, the Charleston area also proffers its premiere annual Low-Country Jazz Festival in Charleston and the Edisto Beach Shag Festival on Edisto Island the same weekend. The Victory Cup, as a part of the Charleston Hot Air Balloon Festival and Polo Match, really offers a special social destination, coupled with all of the best that Charleston has to offer to both polo and local gourmet aficionados on September 4 th . Get ready to “divot stomp”.

Image @ Victory Cup