Despite rainy weather, thousands show for Winterthur's annual Point-to-Point event

Delaware News Journal

A steady soaking rain didn't deter thousands from showing up to Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library on Sunday for the estate’s annual Point-to-Point tailgating and horse racing event.

The event, now in its 46th year, started as a small group of horse riders and picnickers back in 1979, but has ballooned to a popular cultural event that’s famous for high-stakes racing and guests wearing extravagant fashion.

Event organizers said rain during Point-to-Point is not uncommon, but it didn't stop thousands from attending Sunday's event. Despite the brisk and damp weather, attendees kept the tradition of extravagant hats and fashion, sporting colorful dresses and hats along with classic horseback riding garb.

Guests take a selfie during the 46th annual Point-to-Point on a rainy day in Winterthur on Sunday, May 5, 2024. Proceeds from this year's event support environmental and landscape stewardship initiatives.

Point-to-Point is the museum’s largest single-day fundraising event. Proceeds will support environmental and landscape stewardship initiatives, like Winterthur’s Natural Lands program that manages woodland, meadow and wetland habitats throughout the estate.

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Attendees participate in the George A. “Frolic” Weymouth Antique Carriage Parade at the 46th annual Point-to-Point on a rainy day in Winterthur in Wilmington on Sunday, May 5, 2024. Proceeds from this year's event support environmental and landscape stewardship initiatives.

Examples include Winterthur’s Natural Lands program managing woodland, meadow and wetland habitats throughout its estate, according to press materials.

The event lasted from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library.

Point-to-Point attendees

The daytime event featured steeplechase horse races, tailgating, games for all ages, and plenty of food and vendor tents to stay fed and hydrated.

The best riders and horses on the National Steeplechase Association race circuit participate in high stakes racing at the 46th annual Point-to-Point on a rainy day in Winterthur on Sunday, May 5, 2024. Proceeds from this year's event support environmental and landscape stewardship initiatives.

Many attendees took advantage of the event taking place on Cinco de Mayo this year, decorating tailgating tents in Cinco de Mayo themes and offering Mexican cuisine. Some sported sombreros, which attendees said were great for warding off the rain.

One family said they've been coming to the annual fundraising event for about 40 years and set up a Cinco de Mayo-themed tent on the Winterthur estate Sunday.

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"We do all the Winterthur and Longwood Garden stuff," said Henry Trapnell, of Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania, decked out in a taco hat. "We're enjoying the outdoors regardless of the rain."

Trapnell said they expected to have about 20 family and friends joining their tailgating spot Sunday, some traveling from Maryland, New York and even Colorado.

"Point-to-Point is an opportunity for us to reunite with family and friends," he said.