February 2, 2010, Newport, RI - Newport’s 22nd annual Winter Festival adds an exciting new attraction to its lineup this month, featuring Beach Polo on Feb. 13-14 at 1:00pm at Second Beach (Sachuest Town Beach). The event is free and open to the public.

Beach Polo, organized by Newport Polo Inc., will feature as many as 4 competing teams playing in 4-chukker matches both afternoons at low tide. Spectators are encouraged to witness the fast-paced contests from the dunes and cheer on the teams, playing on majestic thoroughbred mounts.

Beach Polo is the newest event in the Newport Winter Festival, which features over 150 events, becoming "New England's largest winter extravaganza." Alive with sparkle and excitement, the Winter Festival offers a unique winter experience combining food, music, and entertainment, with fun for all ages.

“Newport Polo seeks to highlight the unique assets of Newport County by combining a popular spectator event and the year-round natural beauty of the sea shore,” states Dan Keating, president of Newport Polo. “We hope this will draw our regular fans out of hibernation for all the festivities, as well as the visitors of Newport’s Winter Festival.”

“Polo in the summer is one of Newport’s hottest attractions. It will be exciting to see the event in the winter too.” adds Kathryn Farrington of the Newport County Visitors & Convention Bureau. “Polo appeals to an audience of all ages and, like the beach, polo is great outdoor entertainment for the whole family!”

Parking is available at no charge at the main parking lot of Second Beach/Sachuest Town Beach, 474 Sachuest Point Road, Middletown, Rhode Island. Map This Location

Newport Polo will also host the 19th season of the Newport International Polo Series this summer, commencing on June 5th and continuing every Saturday through September on the polo grounds of Glen Farm in Portsmouth. This year the Polo Series will feature returning international teams including France, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, Jamaica, and England, while the Netherlands and the Dominican Republic will make their debuts. The Australian team will be the guests of honor at the International Polo Charity Ball on Friday, Aug. 6. With annual kudos such as Yankee Magazine's "Editor's Pick" for Best Reason to Visit New England, and Rhode Island Monthly Magazine's "Reader's Choice" as Best Evening With the Kids, the Polo Series continues to enjoy steadily increased audiences each season. For more information, visit www.newportinternationalpolo.com or call 401-847-7090.