Point-to-Point: windswept, wistful, wonderful
The winds of change blew through Winterthur’s Point-to-Point on Sunday, May 8, and the strong-willed attendees pushed back.
Geoff Rogers, chairman of the Point-to-Point Executive Committee and a Winterthur trustee, said, “This is the first year Frolic Weymouth will not be in front of the carriage parade … Frolic brought the coaches to Point-to-Point and is also responsible for conserving the land around it,” he continued.
Although George A. “Frolic” Weymouth died on Sunday, April 24, at the age of 79, attendance was up this year, according to Liz Farrell, Winterthur’s communications manager. “Perhaps people wanted to pay their respects to Frolic or see the tribute we had prepared in his honor,” she said.
Attendees watched with moist eyes as a giant screen projected a tribute video to Frolic Weymouth. Hearts warmed as his friendly smile beamed down on the thousands of people below. Immediately following the presentation, Weymouth’s granddaughter, Sofi Tyler, sang a heartfelt “Star Spangled Banner” as a prelude to the first race of the day.
Because of the preceding week’s rain, the track was too muddy for the carriage parade. Dauntless fans trekked up the hill to admire the carriages and talk to the dapper gentlemen and stylish women who sat atop. The mood was subdued and reverent around Weymouth’s carriage as visitors offered condolences to Weymouth’s partner, Carlton Cropper.
One of Weymouth’s horses became annoyed with the wind and had to be unbridled. T. Mark Cole held the reins of Weymouth’s other horse, Petey, who proudly sported Weymouth’s trademark turtle on his bridle.
Little ones enjoyed pony rides, face painting, and craft projects to make and take away. Dog-related activities were provided by Winterthur Hunt and Canine Capers. Before the “big boys” came out to race, youth ages 5 – 10 raced on smaller horses.
Young, local beauty queens added to the pageantry of the day in pretty dresses. Brooke Mitchell, Miss Delaware; Cassidy Sullivan, Miss Christiana’s Teen; Amanda Debus, Miss First State; and Rachel Buckler, Miss Hockessin smiled and posed for pictures. When asked how they managed to look completely unaffected by the cool and blustery weather, Sullivan answered, “It’s part of the job.”
A long and steady line formed for ice cream at Woodside Farm and Creamery’s cart. Business was also brisk at That’s Hats Accessories Boutique. Some men and women waited until they got to Point-to-Point to buy a hat, but the tent was also visited by folks looking to buy special tape or hat pins to keep their hats in place.
As the master of merriment, Frolic Weymouth would undoubtedly have been happy that this year’s Point-to-Point was a fun-filled day with lots of horsin’ around for everyone.
About Lora B. Englehart
Lora has a passion for art, gardening, yoga, music and dancing. She continues to research the life of locally born abolitionist and 1998 National Women's Hall of Fame inductee Mary Ann Shadd Cary. She is a dedicated community volunteer, working with the American Association of University Women, Wilmington, DE branch (programs chair), Chadds Ford Historical Society (former board member) and Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art. Lora lives in Birmingham Township with her husband Bill and son Brad. Daughter Erika lives in Pittsburgh with husband Bob and baby Wilhelmina. She is a former French, Spanish and ESL teacher, bilingual life insurance underwriter and public relations coordinator for Delaware Art Museum and Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art.
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