The Hunt Returns

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

For the first time in 50 years, The Hunt returned to the Chevy Chase Club. Members were able to be a part of history as The Hunt returned to the Club for an exhibition complete with horses and hounds. The members soaked in the tradition as they watched the horses and hounds gallop up the Golf Course. The Potomac Hunt celebrated the Club’s 75th Anniversary back in 1967 and returned again to celebrate our 125th Anniversary this past October. Bringing them back to the Club allowed those who saw this celebration at our 75th Anniversary to come and enjoy it again, yet with the rest of their families who weren't able to, thus keeping the tradition alive.

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

Our Social Committee desired that we celebrate our Anniversary throughout the entire year, to end at our large Black Tie Gala. With October being our Anniversary month, we decided to celebrate with a tradition that was near and dear to all of our members and their families.

We started the event with “toast to the 125th” stations outside while we waited for the horses and hounds, which incorporated decadent sweet and savory toasts with crisp bubbles. As The Hunt approached the Clubhouse, members joined together for a stirrup cup to once again toast to this wonderful tradition. Members then enjoyed an old school brunch buffet inside our Clubhouse that incorporated décor elements and menu items that would have been served back in the day as they continued the celebration with one another.

The members were over joyed at the sight of bringing a piece of history back to the Club to celebrate such an accomplishment. They brought their children, grandparents, and loved ones to watch the exhibition. Members raved about the event and hope that we would continue this tradition every year.