Words fail.
First, thank you.
Our 50th Anniversary year has already been filled with so many highlights - and it has only been possible because of you.
This year has been full. PetFest, EPIC Weekends, Movies at the Meadows, the Corgi Races, and the launch of Marvel at Spruce Meadows brought families, friends, and fans together in new ways. Concerts featuring Leon Bridges, Metric, City & Colour (Solo), Dean Brody, and Canada Day with Brett Kissel filled the grounds with music and celebration.
Huntley Oaks, Bar Six, and the Champagne Garden offered new ways to enjoy the property. Foxtrot opened its café this summer, giving guests a new gathering place, and the Foxtrot Restaurant will open October 1.
On the sport side, we witnessed history with a new Spruce Meadows record in the ATCO Electric Six Bar when Vaclav Stanek (CZE) and Joseph Stockdale (GBR) cleared 2.13 metres, breaking a 21-year record. We also celebrated Great Britain’s Nations’ Cup win on British Day - their first in 29 years, with HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh in attendance. Scott Brash and Hello Jefferson took the $5 million CPKC International Grand Prix, ten years after making history by winning the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping!
We welcomed the RCMP Musical Ride, the Canadian Armed Forces, and the Skyhawks - traditions that remind us of what makes Canada and Spruce Meadows unique. The Spruce Meadows Leg Up Foundation had a banner year, with the Unstoppable Luncheon raising $425,000 for Not In My City and continuing to build support for community programs.
And there is more to come. The Oktoberfest Tournament (our first time jumping outside in October, ever!), The International Christmas Market, presented by TELUS and a new Enchanted Christmas Festival, soon to be unveiled, will close out this 50th Anniversary year. These traditions mean so much to us, and this year they carry the added meaning of our milestone season.
This anniversary year has reminded us that Spruce Meadows is more than a place - it is people, relationships, traditions and shared moments. Thank you for being part of it all, and for making this season one we will never forget.
Sincerely,
Linda Southern-Heathcott President & CEO Spruce Meadows
