It was a beautiful day for the 19th annual New Albany Classic Grand Prix and Family Day. The Classic is hosted by Abigail Wexner at the Wexner Family Estate yearly and benefits The Center For Family Safety and Healing. The positive impact the Wexner family has on the Columbus Community through the Classic as well as other endeavors is extremely admirable.
This annual event that is all about promoting healthy family and relationships shows the extreme lengths the Wexner’s take to ensure they provide a fabulous opportunity to those that come out to support the Classic.
Lindsey still raves about the day she spent exploring the Wexner barn and what fabulous hosts they were to the Columbus Social Influence crew and again no expense was spared when it came to this year’s New Albany Classic.
Annually, the event raises more than $1.7 million for The Center for Family Safety and Healing and features a lively country fair for families, a Concert sure to please any young viewer, and an internationally-sanctioned show jumping competition among the world’s leading equestrians. The event brings in top riders from around the world, this year included several medalists from this year’s Olympics in Rio as riders are competing for $125,000 in prize money. The Classic has raised nearly $30 million to support family violence initiatives in Central Ohio since its inception.
We were there for 4 hours and still didn’t hit everything! There was so much to see and do between rides, two stages, animals, vendors, food trucks, and of course, the horses. The first thing we did was go straight to the Justice Concert at The Classic stage where Kelsea Ballerini was performing. The list of past performers is impressive and we can’t wait to see who the Classic brings in next year.
My kids have a need for speed, Eliza my youngest and fearless child ran straight for the big, spinning, vomit-inducing rides. Thankfully, she is much too small to ride those so we settled for tea cups, the mini mega drop, and cars.
To say they enjoyed riding everything is an understatement.
I even got in on some of the action. Liaylah won that race by a landslide!
Those slides are faster than you think.
As soon as the girl’s saw animals, they were quick to move on to the next attraction. If my children could have a farm full of animals or a dragon as a pet, they wouldn’t hesitate.
Too bad mom is NOT an animal person!
The Magic of Hollywood Tent was simply put, magical. Everyone in my family enjoys movies for different reasons and the tent offered an endless look into movie making, behind the scenes and incredible costumes and props from some of the biggest blockbusters!
No surprise my youngest loved the huge scary dinosaur. I mean look at that thing, it really looked like it was going to gobble you up any second!
There were so many highlights and favorites from everyone in the family from the Hollywood tent.
I of course lost my mind when I ran into Voldemort from ‘Harry Potter’. I died, as a bit of a book buff and a huge Potter fan. the original costume from the film made my whole day.
Can you say Avada Kedavra!
They were also offering farm tours for people to get a closer look into what goes into running a successful functioning farm. The farm produces healthy, organic fruits and vegetables that are given to three local schools and donated to local organizations as well. They grow everything from tomatoes to kale to blueberries.
They also have 5 acres of land dedicated solely to chickens. The whole farm system they have is amazing, Jeremy and I were so impressed with everything we heard and learned. The tour guide was talking about rotating crops and certain plants to help with soil erosion, and all types of farm talk that is way over my head. My husband loved it, but we all know I can’t keep a plant alive to save my life.
The real show and highlight of the day for many is the horses. This year there were three members of the Silver Medal Olympic horse jumping team competing. There were 30 horse and mount teams competing for the Authentic Cup and a prize of $125,000.
“We were so honored to have three of the U.S. Olympic medal-winners here to compete and they certainly did no disappoint,” said Abigail Wexner upon conclusion of the grand prix. “It was another great day of show jumping in New Albany made even more gratifying because of the significant support generated to help families in central Ohio who need our attention. I’m so very proud of the enthusiastic participation of the riders and owners, as well as the results of our collective effort to provide a memorable day for families.”
In a highly competitive field, huge Congratulations goes to McLain Ward and Tina La Boheme! Today marked the fourth win for Ward at The New Albany Classic.
Photo Credit: Curtis Walls
Out of 25 riders, they emerged the Winners of the 2016 New Albany Classic Invitational Grand Prix and they also take home the Authentic Cup!
Notice anyone left out of this family photo?
Yep. I’m ALWAYS behind the camera, which truly is my preference!
The entire estate is stunning and truly picturesque.
It immediately transplants you back to an old southern estate. I felt like I was Scarlett O’Hara surrounded by green trees, white fence lines for miles and weeping willows.
I was quickly brought back to reality by my wonderful children screaming and pulling on my pant legs. It was nice while it lasted.
The event was an unbelievable experience for every member of my family.
Thank you SO much to the entire staff of The Classic for making this experience one my family will never forget. We so appreciate their efforts in creating an unforgettable experience from beginning to end for Lindsey and I. Lisa and Sara and everyone who works with Abigail and the Wexner Family thank you so much for your kindness and including us in your fabulous event!
We are already looking forward to next year! If you missed this year’s Classic, don’t make that mistake again next year! Mark your calendars for September 24th, 2017 for the 20th Anniversary Classic!
Hi there — I'm Gina from The Center for Family Safety and Healing. I actually attended the blogger event in July and wanted to say this is a great article! The quote below actually made me laugh out loud at work. Thanks so much for coming and we hope to see you again next year! 🙂
"I was quickly brought back to reality by my wonderful children screaming and pulling on my pant legs. It was nice while it lasted."
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