Bucks
Ascot Races Benita Ryan Michener Museum
Dear Friends,
Good morning. Benita Ryan summed up the Ascot Race perfectly ten days ago at the Carousel Farm Lavender near Mechanicsville. “It’s the way to celebrate the Kentucky Derby, Bucks County Style,” she began. Ryan was the organizer of a major fundraiser for the Michener Art Museum. Net proceeds were in excess of $45,000.
“Over 320 came to the event,” she continued. The Ascot Race celebrated its fourth year. “It began with the ‘Miles of Mules,’ a five county project.” The Michener was the anchor in Bucks County and the main beneficiary.
Kentucky Derby day was bathed in sunlight although a brisk wind dropped the temperature precipitously. The cool air was ideal for the horses and riders from Tinicum Park Polo, which thrilled the crowd during a demonstration. TPP made quite a few friends and converts. It plays a match every Saturday at 2:30 PM through October 7 at Tinicum Park, Erwinna. Admission is only $5 per car. Most families take a picnic.
Mighty Betsy wore a big straw hat to the Ascot Races. I found my old Penn skimmer. Women dressed in appropriate Kentucky Derby attire. Some of the hats were so massive that they hid the ladies beneath them. But I was most impressed with Connie and Bill Eastburn from Doylestown. Connie wore a large floppy, elegant hat and her husband was in bright green from head to foot.
Claudia Funke won the first prize in the most beautiful hat contest. She’s a beauty in her own right. Claudia looks and acts 20 years younger than her actual age, which I will not divulge.
It’s a small world, as you know. A very pretty woman reminded me that she was at Penn when I was there. I cringed, wondering whether my behavior, 50 years ago, passed muster? I thought of my late father who always gave excellent advice. “Always be with the person with whom you’re meant to be,” he’d say. I was glad that Mighty Betsy was close at hand. She always protects me as my friends attest.
But the star of the Ascot Race was the site…Carousel Farm Lavender. Located on the outskirts of Mechanicsville, the farm dates to 1748. David Braff and Niko Christou were the hosts. Braff is a lawyer who practices in New York City. Christou is a commercial photographer. They’ve owned the farm for six years. It’s a handsome property thanks to the three-year restoration and renovation effort, recently completed. I asked Christou about it and why they are so generous?
“It’s nice to give back to the community,” Christou began. “We’ve done other benefits and events, too.” In June Carousel Farm Lavender plays host to the Bedminster Land Conservancy’s Garden Tour. You can visit five different gardens for just $15. BLC is the beneficiary. Three other events fill out the year. The Audubon Society and St. Mary’s Medical will hold benefits at the Carousel Farm Lavender.
I asked Christou why Lavender has been added to the farm’s name? “We have eight acres devoted to 15,000 lavender plants,” he answered. “We have English and French varieties.” Standing on high ground, you can see the perfectly matched plants on row after row. It’s impressive.
The website shows photos and products of their farm. It’s www.carouselfarmlavender.com Braff and Christou don’t charge for the use of their property. The charity becomes the beneficiary.
“I’m a photographer and farmer,” Christou concluded. “Farming is a new thing for me.”
It takes many volunteers to make a
complicated event pay dividends. Ryan was quick to praise the committee:
Barbara Belding, Carol Frazier, Claudia Funke, Robert Goodwin, Carl Grundman,
Kathy Fernberger, Harriet Gratz, Carole Hurst, Carole Anne Martin, Pamela
Morrison, Carol Murray, Beverley Pattenden, Virginia Sigety, Mary Beth
Sullivan-Rose,
The Ascot Race was great fun. Be sure to take it in next year.
Sincerely,
Charles Meredith