In addition to top international dressage and a sport horse breed show second to none, Dressage at Devon is widely recognized for its range of social activities. One of the event’s most coveted invitations is to the Preview Party, which will be held at Delchester Farm, Sanford and Lisa Davne’s historic estate in beautiful Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, on June 12, 2010. Guests will enjoy an exquisite evening that will include a freestyle by Silva Martin with her Dutch Warmblood Jeff the Chef W. The Preview Party kicks off the 35th Anniversary celebration, which will continue through the show September 28-October 3, 2010.
“The Preview Party is the official launch of DAD’s 35th Anniversary,” explains Lori Kaminski, president and CEO of the event. “The theme of the evening will be a celebration of the first 35 years of the show.”
The show began as one of the Delaware Valley Combined Training Association’s educational events and was staffed each year by hundreds of volunteers. It quickly grew to local, national and international prominence, as a competition, destination event and fundraiser. Dressage at Devon’s first beneficiary was The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Funds are currently raised for Thorncroft Therapeutic Horseback Riding Inc., the largest and oldest therapeutic riding program in the U.S. The first DAD Preview Party was held more than 30 years ago and has been held at the estates of many prominent local residents, including Esther and Paul Gansky, Jane McElree and George Wymouth.
Guests at the 2010 Preview Party will experience ambiance and nostalgia that can only be found on Philadelphia’s Main Line. “The exquisite affair will be hosted amongst the rolling hills of a beautiful estate, which features a breathtaking view,” says Preview Party planner Debbe Scutellaro, who has been a volunteer at the show for three years. A fabulous menu provided by Brandywine Catering by Pace One will set the tone for the evening. Guests will also enjoy the musical hits of the last 35 years performed by a four-piece band.
Silva Martin of Windurra Farm will dazzle the guests with a freestyle set to the music of Cirque Du Soleil. She will ride her Dutch Warmblood gelding Jeff the Chef W, an 18-hand grandson of Jazz that was bred by Olympian Heath Ryan.
The Preview Party is the first of many social events at Dressage at Devon. The party schedule includes the popular Exhibitors/Volunteers Party, the DAD Forum and Mimosas on the Midway. One event that is sure to be talked about for years to come is the 35th Anniversary Party, a 1970’s-themed event that will be held Friday, October 1, 2010. Guests are encouraged to come in period costume to eat, drink and dance to the disco-era’s greatest hits. “Based on the creativity showcased in the annual hat contest, we expect a wild evening,” laughs Kaminski. “Does anyone remember polyester leisure suits, giant bell bottoms and voluminous hair styles?”
To encourage partygoers to truly express themselves, all guests who attend in costume will be entered in a drawing for a special VIP package. The winner will receive the star treatment, including being a VIP guest of the DAD committee for the Grand Prix Freestyle on Saturday night.
Many other 35th Anniversary festivities will be unveiled in the coming months. Keep up with the details on Facebook or at the show’s website, www.dressageatdevon.org.
