Tradition undergirds the 32nd annual croquet match between USNA and St. John’s College. We’re talking not only the tradition of the croquet match itself, but the tradition of Annapolis attending this free community event. We have the details of this once-a-year, family-friendly event below.
What is it?
For thirty-two years, students from both St. John’s (the Johnnies) and the Naval Academy (the Mids) have been engaging in healthy competition via the game of croquet. The croquet match kicks off at 1 p.m. and is the highlight of the event, but is additional entertainment too. The beloved lawn party and the chance to dress up in festive hats, fancy attire, and picnic on the St. John’s lawn are also part of the event. In addition, the St. John’s Freshman Chorus and Naval Academy’s Trident Brass Band will perform.
As established on the St. John’s blog, the seemingly unlikely pairing of the Mids and Johnnies isn’t really all that unlikely. Despite the fact that St. John’s and USNA function for very different purposes, the competition makes for common ground between these two institutions with no competitive equal.
Not familiar with croquet? It’s a game of nine hoop or “wickets” that originated in London back in the mid 1800s. Played with wooden or plastic balls and mallets, the goal is to hit the ball in play through the hoop. If you’ve tried your hand at it, you know how surprisingly difficult it is! This is all the more reason to cheer and clap for the players.
In addition to seeing Mids and Johnnies, you’ll see many St. John’s and USNA alumni, friends, and family. In other words, this Annapolis Cup is wholly Annapolis.
Where? When? What time?
St. John’s hosts this event–more specifically, the front lawn hosts it. The date is Saturday, April 12 with the rain date being the next day. The croquet match begins at 1 p.m.
Want to celebrate this tradition all day? That’s possible! The Annapolis Cup is cushioned by events before and after the croquet match, starting at 8 a.m. and ending around 11 p.m. From 8-9 a.m., enjoy the Memorial Fun(d) Run from the Quad at St. John’s. The gates open to the public at 10 a.m. At noon, the food and drink stations open for service until 4:30 p.m. At 1 p.m., the match begins. At 10 p.m., The Spring Cotillion featuring The Craig Sparks Swingtet perform in the Great Hall. Some events are only available to St. John’s alumni, so check with the site below before making plans.
What else?
As a means to keep this event truly family-friendly (and to ensure its longevity for years to come!), there are a few rules attendees must follow. With the exception of alcoholic beverages, outside food and drink are permitted. Beer, wine, champagne, sodas, and food are available for purchase on site.
You should bring lawn chairs, blankets, and tables (under two feet in height) for your comfort. The kids are allowed to enjoy this event too.
No pets or grills are allowed.
Everyone who attends is encouraged to dress in Victorian era attire. Even the USNA players will dress up in traditional croquet attire of sweaters, white polos, and ties. The Johnnies, on the other hand, keep their attire a secret until they walk on the field, but perhaps they’ll don fancy gear!
What about parking?
Free parking is available at the state garage off of St. John and Calvert Streets. If the free parking fills up, try any of the other city garages. Be advised that over 2,000 spectators are expected to attend, making parking and drink and food lines more of a challenge. For more information about the Annapolis Cup, head to www.stjohnscollege.edu and find Annapolis Cup info on the events page.
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