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Fort Ontario will host its first ever croquet themed weekend May 23 and 24. The event will be held inside the old stone fort from 9 AM to 5 PM on Saturday May 23 and 11 AM to 5 PM on Sunday May 24. All ages are welcome, normal fort admission rates will apply.
Croquet is a golf-like sport that involves hitting a ball through hoops embedded in the ground. A long wooden mallet is used to hit the ball from hoop to hoop, eventually allowing the player to score and win the game by hitting a stake with their ball. It is typically played with six players, each getting their own mallet and color coded ball. The United States was caught up in a croquet fueled frenzy in the 19th century, especially during Fort Ontario's interpretive period of the late 1860's, and the sport quickly became the hottest craze in America and Great Britain.
Saturday May 23 will be an "open" play day. Guests will get 2 hours to complete four of the eight courses set up within the old stone fort, giving them a half hour to complete each course. Rounds start at 9 AM and run every two hours, ending with the last round at 3 PM. Those who exhibit impressive scores will be considered for the tournament on Sunday May 24. The Friends of Fort Ontario will be set up outside the fort serving refreshments between rounds.
Sunday May 24 will be the Fort Ontario Croquet Cup. Space for the tournament is limited, there are only 64 spots being given to those who pre-register. A group of 8 will play at each course inside the fort at 11 AM. The winner of each course will play in the final at 2 PM on the parade ground inside the fort. The champion will receive the Fort Ontario Croquet Cup, courtesy of the Friends of Fort Ontario.
Normal fort admission will be charged for both days; $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and students, and 12 and under and active military FREE. For questions, or to pre-register for the tournament, call (315)-343-1505, or, visit online at fortoswego.com, to stay updated visit Fort Ontario on Facebook.
