When you think of sporting sorts back around 1920, you probably don't picture people on rollerblades or on a treadmill or engaging in any of the health-minded, fresh-of-air pursuits we engage in nowadays.
You think of those leather football helmets, you think of medicine balls, and when it comes to the exquisite lawn of a gorgeous estate, you think of croquet, a pastime that actually is as fancy as its middle q.
And as fun, and when a fundraiser comes along that incorporates both an exquisite '20s-era estate lawn and the mallet-and-wickets, well, breakout the drop-waisted dresses and boater hats: You're going to the Hollyhock House.
That is, if you sign up for the Barnsdall Art Park's Croquet, Champagne + Oysters fundraiser, an afternoon affair high on a Hollywood hill. The date? Sunday, Nov. 8. The time? Eleven in the morning on into the high afternoon time of 3 o'clock. The requested attire? Don "traditional white garb and hats," if you please (and "the favorite hat" chosen scores an extra bubbly tasting.) The age requirement? None — all are welcome, but you'll want to secure your $40 ticket first (ten bucks for the kids).
Silverlake Wine is doing the wine flights, as they often do on this particular hill, and the Pasadena Croquet Association will be handing out the mallets and the tips. As for the bivalve selection promised in the name? The Oyster Gourmet will be on the above-Los-Feliz grounds, as will be various food trucks.
Picnicking is a tradition at Barnsdall Art Park, and attendees may arrive with blankets, grub, and such. KCRW DJ Wilcox and Cal King will provide the sounds you'll sup by, or, if you're mad about croquet, swing by.
One unforeseen bonus: Autumn has truly arrived, so Angelenos looking for a crisp day in which to croquet will find that one has been pretty much custom ordered at the weather store. Highs are expected in the low 70s, so pack a frilly cardigan to go over your frilly flapper frock.
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As for lending some love to Barnsdall Art Park? Well, we just should, if we can and we go there and we appreciate the many classes and tastings and screenings and high-minded, high-over-Hollywood happenings that are regular features on its rosters.
And would the Hollyhock House's original owner, Ms. Aline Barnsdall, been a bit tickled to see polite competitors wielding mallets out on her view-nice lawn? Well, OK, croquet is mostly polite, at least fashion-wise.
Sometimes you absolutely do need to send another player's ball out for a scenic drive and far away from the desired wicket, even if you're in some fancy finery and on your finest behavior.
