Red, White, and Blue Party Wines and Dines at the Washington International Horse Show

Wellington, FL- November 9- Washington International Horse Show VIPs and invited guests of Dr. Sheila C. Johnson and her husband, the Honorable William Newman, dined in the MCI Center Acela Club on Saturday, October 29, 2005 in the heart of our nation’s capital. The annual “Red, White, and Blue Party” featured the spectacular $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix sponsored by Salamander Hospitality, LLC.

Over 350 guests socialized in the spacious VIP skybox that overlooked the grand prix course designed by Steve Stephens. “Country Joe” and his band added to the Country Western theme with their live music, and the dinner, catered by Levy Catering of Washington D.C., included gourmet southern delicacies and an open bar.

Olympic veterans Joe Fargis, winner of the gold medal in ’84, and Laura Kraut, who participated in the 2000 Olympic Games, mingled with grand prix riders and guests before the evening’s competition. Four time British Olympians Nick Skelton and Michael Whitaker, two the international riders, enjoyed a taste of southern tradition and music.

After the $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix, country music star Tracy Byrd played a live concert for the MCI Center crowd. The grand prix, won by Kent Farrington of Greenwich, Conn., is one of America’s most prestigious and challenging equestrian show jumping events.

“Red, White, and Blue” guests included: Mr. Gene Mische, George Morris, Steve and Debbie Stephens, Leo and Samantha Conroy, David Distler, John Ammerman, George Tauber, Ahmed Alali, Candace King, Laura Kraut, Jimmy Doyle, Frank Madden, Schuyler Riley, Georgina Bloomberg, Kappy Peterson, Kim Tudor, Kim Prince, Rob Banner, Joe Thorpe, Kitty Bow, Warren Christopher, Ken and Emily Smith, Mark Bellissimo, Cindy McNiff, and Janice and Aimee Aron.

For more information on the Washington International Horse Show, visit their official website at www.wihs.org.

Photo Credit: Dr. Sheila C. Johnson and her husband, the Honorable William Newman. Photo By: Rex Reed