The inches of snow that once coated the streets of Alapocas have melted, and temperatures are beginning to rise, evidential signs that spring is fast-approaching. Flowers are beginning to bloom, the green grass of the soccer field is visible once again, and vibrant colors have returned to the Alapocas neighborhood. Students can abandon their winter jackets and gloves, as snowstorms and sub-thirty degree weather should not be a concern for the rest of the school year.

The majority of the Wilmington Friends School community welcomes the warmer weather, as many upper school students are excited for the spring sports season to begin: “Spring is by far my favorite time of year. I love being able to run outside after a long day inside at school,” said Hannah Caspar-Johnson ’15. Many students are in agreement and believe that the sunny weather is a welcome break from the frigid, bleak winter that the East Coast has experienced. Besides the highly anticipated commencement of spring sports, excitement continues to grow for other outdoor activities and events, especially for the annual steeplechase horse race, Point-to-Point, a popular event to attend among high school students from both Delaware and Pennsylvania.

Point-to-Point is an annual springtime event featuring steeplechase horse racing. The event is held at Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library in Winterthur, Delaware. Point-to-Point attracts people of all ages and is a great way to kick off the warm, sunny season. The 36th annual Point-to-Point will be held at Winterthur on Sunday, May 4.
Many Wilmington Friends upper school students are looking forward to attending this year, as they recall memorable past experiences: “It’s so much fun, and the weather is always great. I love being able to wear bright spring colors and hang out with my friends,” said Cassidy Martin ’15. While horse racing might not be the most entertaining for everyone, there are many more attractions that are sure to please people of all ages. Younger children can enjoy face painting, pony rides, and various other family-friendly activities. Anyone is welcome to tailgate and enjoy lunch on the fields, watching the horse races from the comfort of their car or lawn chairs. There are also a variety of food vendors and shops located in tents on the fields. Local boutiques arrive to reveal spring clothing and elaborate sun hats for sale. Needless to say, there are numerous entertaining activities and features of Point-to-Point, as there is something of interest for nearly everyone.

Many Friends students and alumni will attend Point-to-Point this year, as it is evidently a popular event in Delaware. While the event is relatively formal, many people are often excited to use it to showcase their new spring fashion items. Many women dress extravagantly, with elaborate hats and bright floral dresses. While dressing in an extravagant manner may seem like a good idea, some students caution against it: “Make sure to bring sunglasses and wear comfortable shoes for walking up and down the hills,” said Julia Russ ’15. Lots of walking is required in order to see the horse races up close and to return to the tailgate area, so comfortable shoes are a necessity. Several other students also recommend sunscreen, as last year a majority of the Upper School students who attended Point-to-Point suffered sunburn from spending all day at the races, with the sun beating down through the clouds.

With these tips in mind, many Wilmington Friends Upper School students believe that the event will be even better this year than it was last year. Point-to-Point is ultimately a fun and festive way to kick off a new season and celebrate a nearly complete school year.