Swing into summer by playing croquet at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site!  And with three fun events on one great day of croquet- June 16, 2012 - there is sure to be something for everyone.

This long-standing Indianapolis tradition has been revamped to include two new events, and big changes have been made to the traditional tournament. Croquet enthusiasts, or just fans of fun, can now choose to come to the new Alice and Friends Children’s Croquet Day, the Traditional Six-Wicket Tournament or the new Swinging Croquet Mixer.

Alice and Friends Children’s Croquet Day - 10:00am

This Alice in Wonderland themed event is designed to be a day for children to learn about Victorian life through sport and literature.  All teams of two (one adult and one child) will be given a croquet tutorial and a chance to participate in a match of golf croquet. This event includes the use of fine equipment, a mid-morning snack, complimentary photos with the characters, and an Alice in Wonderland themed favor.  Participants will have the opportunity to play with the Queen of Hearts, Mad Hatter, March Hare and Alice* in this family-friendly event. (*Characters may change subject to availability). Cost:  $50 per team of two.

Traditional Six-Wicket Croquet Tournament – 1:00pm

Register to be one of forty teams of two, dressed in team whites, to take to the courts and vie for the inaugural Virginia Z. Willkie Champion’s Cup. Teams will be seeded into competitive flights for a minimum of five rounds of American Rules Six-Wicket Croquet play. Winners advance in the tournament to quarter-final, semi-final and championship matches. After the championship round, dinner and drinks will be served. All participants in this event will also receive admission to the Swinging Croquet Mixer immediately following.  Cost: $130 or $120 for BHPS members and Indy Hub members.

Wicket World of Croquet® Swinging Mixer – 5:00pm

If your croquet game isn’t quite tournament ready, consider coming to the new Swinging Croquet Mixer.  Admission begins at 5pm to allow guests an opportunity to enjoy the championship round of the six-wicket tournament.  Admission includes dinner, drinks (compliments of Sun King Brewery) live music by the Cool City Swing Band and casual croquet play on the South Lawn of the Presidential Site. A quick tutorial will be offered for those just beginning before you pair up and hit the court. Cost: $35 per person or $30 for BHPS members and Indy Hub members.

For more information, to register your team, or to purchase a ticket to the Alice and Friends Children’s Croquet Day or the Swinging Croquet Mixer, call (317) 631-1888. Proceeds from this wonderful event will be used to fund educational programs at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, which welcomes more than 15,000 students each year.