Dust off that floppy hat, the Point-to-Point Steeplechase is making its 32nd run at the Winterthur Museum & Country Estate on May 2.
What’s new?
This year, in an effort to control crowds, those with general admission wristbands will not be permitted into the tailgate area. Tailgate wristbands will be required and each tailgate is only allowed to have 14 people.
A new attraction this year, the Wells Fargo antique stagecoach will parade into the grounds at 1:30 p.m. and un-hitch in the Kids Corral area, allowing kids and adults to climb aboard for a photo op.
Don’t put the camera away after seeing the stagecoach – Winterthur is hosting a Picture Point-to-Point Photo Contest. The best amateur photographer will win a free tailgate parking space at next year’s event.
What’s traditional?
The annual parade of antique carriages, featuring more than 40 elegant stagecoaches, will parade across the grounds at 1 p.m.
Kids of all ages will get a chance to compete in their own steeplechase during the stick horse races, held from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., for age groups 4 and under, 5 to 7 and 8 to 10.
Dozens of antique autos, running the gamut from 100-year-old Stanley Steam Cars to classy Bentleys and Rolls-Royces, will be on display, polished beyond measure.
Oh yeah, there are horse races, too.
What’s coming back?
The marketplace is again offering a Point-to-Point commemorative poster, based on a painting by local artist Jean Diver, which features jockeys Chip Miller and Jody Petty.
Those looking to add a little excitement to the steeplechases will again find the race raffles to be a sure bet – anyone can purchase $5 raffle tickets used to place wagers on the races and maybe win a prize from Tiffany & Co.
The event harkens back to a simpler time, but Winterthur is again providing Point-to-Point information using the latest social networking technology. Check out the Point-to-Point Facebook page for the latest updates.
For more information or to purchase wristbands for Point-to-Point, visit www.winterthur.org.
