Arrive by 12:30PM to Watch the Opening Parade!
Arrive by 12:30PM to Watch the Opening Parade!
OPENING PARADE
The Sarasota Polo Club kicks off each public polo match with an Opening Parade. You definitely don’t want to miss out on this! Just before 1PM, our announcer will welcome everyone up to the boards – yes, you can walk right up to the boards!
We offer a live American Flag presentation each week, carried aboard one of our many fabulous flag horses. The Magical Mini Mart will also oftentimes join the parade. You might even see the horses dressed up in costume to match the tailgate theme of the week!
Behind the flag horse and Mini Mart, our players and umpires will follow, giving you the chance to clap hands with real polo players! All horses will do one full lap around the field, giving everyone a chance at the action, before meeting at midfield for a live national anthem performance courtesy of Music Compound. You can find the performer of the day located on your Game Day Program that you will receive upon admission.
Once the national anthem performance is done, our announcer will introduce the teams and the players, allowing you to know who is who. You can follow along in the game day program, where this information is also listed.
And then…the action begins!
Get To Know Your Opening Parade Horses
Chy
Owned by: Bethany Glaser
Ridden by: Bethany Glaser
Chocola
Owned by: Tammy Wyman
Ridden by: Various Riders
Mini Mart
Owned by: Melissa Wightman
Ridden by: Various Riders
Thank you to Music Compound for being the Official National Anthem Singer Supplier of the Sarasota Polo Club.
Performers
Milena
Milena is a dynamic vocalist and performer whose training spans opera, musical theatre, pop, and jazz. A graduate of the University of Tampa with a degree in Vocal Performance, she has graced stages including the Manatee Performing Arts Center, Choral Artists of Sarasota, and the State College of Florida’s Music Theatre Ensemble. Known for her expressive style and versatility, Milena brings the same passion she shows on stage into her role as a vocal coach at Music Compound, inspiring students to find their own voice and confidence in performance.
Jennifer McDonald
Jennifer McDonald is both a seasoned performer and dedicated educator, with years of experience singing live with bands and in church settings. She is a piano and vocal coach at Music Compound, where her encouraging teaching style blends creativity with technical skill. Whether performing herself or guiding others, Jennifer’s mission is to spark joy in music and help each student shine with confidence.
Natalie Smith
Natalie Smith is a highly accomplished vocalist and vocal coach with more than a decade of performance and teaching experience. Trained in both classical and contemporary styles, she has performed professionally while also guiding students toward success on stage, in competitions, and in recordings. As a vocal instructor at Music Compound, Natalie is celebrated for her ability to blend strong technique with artistry, helping singers unlock their full potential.