Amy Moreau and Chari Vairin are the co-chairs of this year’s Harvest Cup Polo Classic, hosted for the ninth time by the Junior League of Greater Covington. The Classic is being held at the Folsom Equestrian Center on Sunday, October 24.

The Classic is an important league fundraiser. How much do you hope to raise? What organizations will benefit?

Amy: We hope to raise more than $50,000, which will go to the league’s community projects. We provide money and volunteers to a wide variety of organizations, such as Southeast Louisiana State Hospital, Hope House and The Parenting Center.

How many people are you expecting?

Chari: 1,500 to 2,000.

Amy: We hope to draw a bigger crowd by expanding our marketing efforts to the southshore, as well as to northern Louisiana parishes.

Food and beverages are big parts of the Classic. Is anyone serving up a Pimm’s Cup, the famous beverage synonymous with polo?

Amy: No one is serving a Pimm’s Cup, but there will be many fabulous drinks! Hugh’s has been with us for many years, and will be back again pouring wonderful wines.

Chari: Most of our sponsors from last year will be there, and, we hope, some new places as well. Artesia, Bombay Club and Pat O’Brien’s are a few of our regular sponsors.

What’s a chukker? And “stomping divots?”

Amy: A chukker is a seven-minute period in the polo match. Six chukkers make up a match. During half-time, the spectators go onto field to “stomp the divots,” mounds of earth torn up by the horses hooves, back into place. This tradition is a great way for the crowd to participate in the match.

Will we see “Pretty Women?” Are hats mandatory?

Amy: Of course you will see pretty women!! Hats, although sometimes worn at polo matches, are not mandatory.

Besides the polo match and the food, what are the other highlights?

Amy: We are featuring the Bucktown All-stars as our music, from noon until 4 pm. A live auction will feature the original painting depicting the event donated by Anne Cicero. Also, a fabulous silent auction, a raffle, and our Putt for the Projects contest. In the Harvest Cup Polo Lounge, you can relax on a comfortable sofa, watch the Saints on a big-screen TV and sample great food.

Why did you volunteer to co-chair the Classic?

Chari: I really like planning such events. After working on the polo committee last year, I thought co-chairing it would be a nice challenge. I knew I would enjoy working with Amy and the other committee members. We are looking forward to a fun and successful Classic!

Amy: I am a true believer in the power of the volunteer! When a group of people with a common goal work together, great things happen. The Harvest Cup is a unique event on the northshore, spotlighting the area as well as the wonderful businesses that support it. Ultimately, our league volunteers will directly affect the citizens of western St. Tammany through their work on the Harvest Cup.

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