by Alex Wilks/Special to the Langley Advance
Stop and smell the rosé.
Thunderbird Show Park (tbird) is hosting a bigger and better Rosé Party during the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup this weekend.
Although showgoers will be attending Sunday’s (Aug. 26) competition for the impressive horses and riders, they will be staying for the wine and the incredible view, said director of marketing and special events Warren Kean.
“It’s one of the most inclusive, exclusive events in equestrian sport,” he said of the Rosé Party.
“We get a massive amount of spectators and always have a very competitive and entertaining competition with some of the best riders in the world.”
The second annual, adult-friendly party will have spectators tipping their hats, twirling their sweet, pink hued wine, and watching riders on horseback soar over Olympic-calibre show jumps.
“We’ve had so much demand for this event again that we’ve literally made it as big as our current liquor licence can accommodate,” Kean explained.
Due to interest in the popular party, sponsored by the View Winery, it has already sold out and organizers are accepting waitlist submissions – in case they are able to expand the capacity and release more tickets, Kean explained.
“Our main focus with the Rosé Party was to create an event within an event that would provide another reason for coming out to watch our World Cup event,” he said.
“The majority of people mention having a fantastic view of the grand prix ring while enjoying a nice cold beverage.”
After the success of last year’s launch, the Thunderbird Show Park special events team knew that the formal party had to become an annual celebration.
“This year it’s bigger,” noted Kean.
And for those who managed to snag a ticket to the high-demand wine event, they’re encouraged to come dressed in their classiest attire.
“The best part about horse shows is you can have people dressed in their Sunday’s best, jeans and a T-shirt, or their riding outfits, no one really cares what people wear,” he noted.
“That being said, for the Rosé Party we encourage dressing up and will be rewarding people with prizes for best dressed.”
Although the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup event is free, there is a $10-charitable parking fee that is donated to The George and Dianne Legacy Fund – a riding scholarship program that was named after the tbird founders.
Aside from exclusive seating and sparkling rosé samples, spectators will also get to sample some of the best equestrian competition in the world at the local Langley show park (24550 72nd Ave.).
“I think that people will enjoy that this is such a unique sporting event and atmosphere. It’s like nothing else available in B.C.,” Kean said.