13th Annual Camden Cup Polo Match Slated for May 5!

April 23, 2013

CAMDEN, SC – May 5, 2013 Polo-the sport of kings returns to Camden for the 13th annual Camden Cup Polo Match. Set for Sunday, May 5, at 1:30 p.m., the Camden Cup-an annual spring benefit for the Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County (FAC)-will include the polo match as well as the popular Best Tailgate and Best Hat competitions. This once-a-year event is a chance for everyone to enjoy the sport of polo. Gates open at 11:00 a.m. and the match will begin at 1:30 p.m.

The 2013 sponsors of the Camden Cup are NBSC, Sam Kendall’s, Land Rover of Columbia, Traders of Camden, Modern Turf and Rigdon Boykin.

The polo match will take place at the Camden Polo Field, the second oldest in the United States.  Built in 1898, the field is held in perpetual trust by the Palmetto Conservation Foundation and has been declared a National Landmark.

Polo has been a part of Camden’s recreational history for many years, said Karen Eckford, chair of the event. We are excited to continue presenting this annual family friendly event.

Two regional teams will vie for The Camden Cup. Long time polo player and enthusiast, Christine Cato helps coordinate the teams for this annual spring fundraiser.  All spectators can feel like a part of the match as tailgate spaces and tents are all located field side for an up close and personal view.

A Saturday demonstration is in the works. Check the FAC web site at www.fineartscenter.org for updates.

Proceeds from this event will benefit programming of the Fine Arts Center which produces the annual May revival of polo in Camden.

Ticket Options

BUY EARLY AND SAVE!

·         Field Side Parking Space: $80 — Provides space for one vehicle and allows tailgaters to set up right by the field.  The space includes two adult general admission tickets. 

·         General Admission: $10 Advanced Admission/ $15 Day of for adults and children over 12. Age 12 and under free. — Anybody can walk in and buy a ticket.  A small area has been reserved by the field for those who just want to bring a blanket or chair and watch. General admission parking will be available off of Greene Street.  Signs will direct patrons to the parking area.  Bring some chairs, a picnic lunch and enjoy the match. Space is limited.

Other Notables

·         Artwork by local artist Walker Canada graces this year’s poster and t-shirts. The original water color will be available for purchase through a silent auction on the day of the event. Canada, a graphics arts instructor at the Applied Technology Education Campus is also a member of the Camden ART, an affiliate of the FAC. Canada has been providing the artwork for this event for nearly 10 years.

·         Polo t-shirts featuring the artwork used in promotional materials and commemorative visors will be available for purchase at the Fine Arts Center or at the polo field in the Fine Arts Center tent on the grounds. 

For more information on the polo event, please call the FAC at 803-425-7676 or visit www.fineartscenter.org.  Tickets may be purchased by phone using Visa or MasterCard or in the Fine Arts Center’s Administrative Office, located at 810 Lyttleton Street in Camden.  Operating hours are 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday; 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. on Thursday. 

The Camden Polo Field is located on Polo Lane off Broad Street in Camden. 

The Fine Arts Center is funded in part by the Frederick S. Upton Foundation and the South Carolina Arts Commission, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional funding provided by the City of Camden, Kershaw County, and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina along with donations from businesses and individuals.