Perfect day at races as Point-to-Point raises funds for Winterthur gardens, conservation

It's a Delaware tradition going back 45 years.

Yes, there are the hats, the fashions, the tailgating, and of course, the horse races, but what is the meaning behind Point-to-Point, one of the biggest events of the year?

"Not sure," said Devon Wittenbach, of Wilmington. The first-time attendee was there Sunday afternoon with her daughters Emmy and Charlie and their friend Elizabeth, whose family invited them.

The annual event is a fundraiser for the world-famous Winterthur Museum, Gardens and Library, according to Collin Hasdell, a horticulturist for the estate. Spots to tailgate start at $300.

"All of the money made today goes towards the garden department," Hasdell explained. Proceeds are used to pay for everything from supplies like boots and pruners to entire garden restoration projects.

Point-to-Point: Tailgaters at heart of event

Christine Heesters, director of marketing, said this year Winterthur sold between 600 and 650 tailgates spots. Tailgate spot holders can bring up to 20 guests so they don't know how many people attended this year but say it's in the thousands.

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The money raised will not only help tend the 60-acre formal garden but also goes toward the conservation of the thousand acres of surrounding natural lands and local habitat.

For example, the garden works with the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary to grow freshwater mussels native to Delaware. These mollusks clean pollutants from streams and rivers. Once plentiful, few can be found today. The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary harvests the mollusks from ponds in the Winterthur Garden to be placed in other waterbeds to clean those waters.

Point-to-Point: Family fun and best dressed

What would Point-to-Point be without a tailgate decorating contest?

This year, celebrity chef Dru Tevis, winner of Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship in 2022, was the judge.

There were many chances to win with trivia contests throughout the day and of course, the contest for best look head to toe.

Also part of the fun were rides for every member of the family. Little ones enjoyed free pony rides or competed in a stick horse racing contest. There also was an old-fashioned hay ride, which took guests around the field.

Horse-drawn antique carriages and vintage cars restored to their former glory or equipped with custom features were also part of the fun of the day.

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While a fundraiser, Point-to-Point also offers an opportunity for Winterthur to host other nonprofit organizations, giving them a chance to raise awareness about their activities.

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Attendees on Sunday could learn about the many rescue organizations, listen to performances from OperaDelaware, or shoot balls at the inflatable hoop set up by Delaware Blue Coats.

Contact reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com. Join her on the Facebook group,  Delaware Voices Uplifted. Support her work and become a subscriber.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Point-to-Point Delaware 2023 brings crowds to Winterthur Sunday