u.s. naval academy croquet?

Today marks the 24th time the tiny "great books" college has faced off against the mighty service academy across the street for a contest some call "chess on grass," although croquet may in fact be slower.

The match transforms the lawn along College Avenue into a sea of Gatsbyesque suits, pajama-striped shirts, ankle-length gowns, sun hats, parasols, champagne and wine by the box. Some years, play goes from lunchtime till dusk. The actual game, for many, is an afterthought.