Perfectionists can be a royal pain. They insist on all their paperclips being arranged in order according to value — platinum first, then gold followed by sterling silver. Hmm, a little overkill.
But then there are those who really have a reason for their desire to have everything absolutely perfect. That’s the case of the Equest crew led by Maggie Kipp and Shay Geyer. After years of hoping, planning and negotiating their involvement with Texas Horse Park, they just want everything to be spotless and ready to improve the lives of children and vets in the program.
Well, despite non-stop construction, the Park is still in the hard helmet stage and that just doesn’t fit with the upcoming Triple Crown Gala’s “Hats & Horses — A Texas Derby Day Soiree!” on Saturday, May 3. Plus there’s always the issue of prissy Mother Nature, who’s going through her spring period.
Biting the bullet, so to speak, the organizers decided to move the event to Southfork. Production maven Michelle Meadow is an old hand in orchestrating events at the “Dallas” location. She’s babysat many a Cattle Baron’s Ball there and knows all the nooks and crannies.
Everything else will stay the absolute according to plan. Hats will be the “must of the day” with judgings by local “top experts.” Loads of foods and refreshments will be on hand. Equest equines will be on the premises. And, yes, the Kentucky Derby will be on the screens.
Oh, but there’s more. Alas, that can’t be revealed until the afternoon event. But it involves anyone who attends the spring event just may have a fall surprise for their datebook. Shoot! Were we supposed to let that much out?
So, instead of heading south to Texas Horse Park, turn your horsepower in the other direction to Southfork and remember the speed limits are watched carefully by local officials.
BTW, a tip of the hat to organizers for making this decision this week instead of waiting til the last minute. It must have been a tough call to make, but it allows everyone time to rearrange their GPS-ers and think “Go, north, y’all.”
Kersten says
I am so excited! Believe it or not, I’ve never been to Southfork (I’ve never attended CBB!) so I am even more excited about attending this event. I’m headed to Ft. Worth today to pick up my custom made ML Leddy’s boots which I’ll be wearing (along with a hat, of course!) on May 3.
Jocelyn White says
Thank you, Jeanne! It WAS a tough call but, above all, we want our Triple Crown attendees to have a ball. And Southfork promises that BIGTIME!
Maggie Kipp says
Thank you, Jeanne – we will have an incredible Equest Triple Crown Gala next Saturday afternoon at Southfork … and the lucky Triple Crown patrons and host committee will be treated to a special Texas Horse Park celebration in the future when the park is ready for Equest guests! Hope you all have your boots and hats ready!!