Mountain Mayhem: Aspen Croquet Cup

Guests dressed in their best white linens and denim attire on Sunday, Sept. 24, for the inaugural Aspen Croquet Cup set on the lawn at the Aspen Meadows’ Marble Garden. The fun and festive fundraiser was planned for and presented by three hotels — the Aspen Meadows, Hotel Jerome, and The Little Nell — serving as a benefit for Roaring Fork Valley non-profits.  

The first-ever event was the result of many individuals and businesses who donated their time and efforts to bring the community together with the goal of giving back. 

The Aspen Branch created a floral arch that served as a festive portal to the party while EKS Events provided seating areas, centerpieces, semi-circle bars, and an array of stations for the participating restaurants who all wowed the crowd with tantalizing appetizers.

Taikun Sushi offered made-to-order toro and scallion handrolls. Catch Steak served roasted langoustines with scampi sauce and truffle butter filet. Aspen Meadows made eggy toast, smoked venison tartare, and baby gem lettuce dishes. Hotel Jerome served their famous J-Bar sliders and Hamachi crudo. Hotel Jerome prepared Petrossian caviar on potato crisps with crème fraiche. The Little Nell prepared chicken tinga tacos, and wagyu carpaccio on brioche.  Crepe Shack made savory crepes with madras curry, as well as sweet crepes with Paonia peaches and cream.

Denver-based band Mannequin, performed throughout the afternoon with its troupe of talented musicians. LA-based hat designer Rachel Olree had a popular stand with her Rachel brand sun hats, donating 30% of sales that day back to the fundraising efforts. 

Most guests were spectators, while twelve teams of two took part in the friendly croquet competition held across three courts. When registering, each team designated a local non-profit to be the recipient of their entry fee, ranging from the Aspen Hope Center to Planned Parenthood to LIFT-UP to Shining Stars and more. Furthermore, the overall champions, Jim Hooper and Tori Dauphinot got to choose a non-profit, which was Challenge Aspen, to receive the winning purse comprised of all ticket sales and silent auction earnings. 

All in all, it was a great first year and a great day to be grateful to live here and celebrate our community. For more information, visit aspencroquetcup.org.