Croquet isn’t a very popular sport in Columbus, but once per year, folks converge in the Short North for a low-brow edition of this typically high-brow competitive game.
We sat down recently with four members of the Friends of Doo Dah group; Deb Roberts, Charlie Loutzenhiser, Doug Ritchey, and Kris Booth, to discuss the history, the magic and the mayhem that is Urban Croquet.
“We’ve been doing this event since ’86,” explained Doug. “It started out in what is now a parking lot next to Mac’s Cafe. That lot was great because you could hit the ball and it would hit a piece of a brick sticking out of the ground and the ball would go sideways. It was truly urban.”
Urban Croquet was started for the same reason that many of the group’s events were put together: to host the craziest neighborhood social gatherings, and help jump start the Short North as a creative and unique neighborhood in which to live.
“Most of our events started out after a few cocktails,” admitted Deb.
“Another excuse to get together and drink beer,” added Doug.
“As if we needed one,” laughed Charlie.
Today, Urban Croquet could be considered the younger sibling of the Doo Dah Parade. Friends of Doo Dah organizes both events, and Urban Croquet acts as a fundraiser to keep the Doo Dah Parade running as a free summertime festival. “Yes, we are our own charity,” said Deb. “We are a charity case!”
“There’s also something called the Post-Doo-Dah-Letdown,” added Doug. “We put in a lot of work to make the Doo Dah parade wonderful, so Urban Croquet was created to help wean us off of that high. Or at least it gives us something else to do before Christmas.”
The group has previously hosted a variety of other Short North neighborhood events, but the Doo Dah Parade and Urban Croquet are the two that have not only stood the test of time, but also grown immensely. “We used to have an event in conjunction with the Kentucky Derby called Horsin’ Around the Short North,” said Doug. “Everyone dressed up like horses and left little surprises on the sidewalk for pedestrians. It was weird. I don’t know why we only did that one for a couple of years.”
Croquet may be considered just as weird to most people who live in Columbus. A quick google search turns up little information in the way of the traditional sport being played anywhere in the region.
“It’s a sport that’s usually very pristine and manicured and the players and onlookers are all wearing hats and bonnets,” explained Deb. “So we had to put a little edge on it. I think it’s more fun when it’s not quite so perfect. Our field has some moats and valleys, and if you miss the final pin, your ball will go over a little cliff.”
“Your ball could easily end up on Second Avenue,” added Doug.
Currently, there are still a few spots left for teams who wish to register for the event. Teams consist of four players, and registration fees are $60 per team. More registration info can be found online here.
“We always need volunteers too,” added Charlie. “We never turn anybody away who wants to help. Come on down around 11am and we’ll find something for you to do, whether it’s selling beer or hot dogs, or helping out with set up or clean up.”
Urban Croquet kicks off at noon on Sunday, October 23rd at 23 West Second Avenue (behind the IBEW Local 683).
More information can be found online at www.UrbanCroquet.com.