The Portuguese Bend National Horse Show is an annual charity event hosted by the non-profit group Peninsula Committee Children’s Hospital (aka PCCH) https://www.pcch.net/2023-portuguese-bend-national-horse-show/ ). The show is 3 days of family fun -- all benefiting Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
(tote bag above -- behind the show program -- is from the online shop of Oregon-based indie artist Kimry Jelen. https://www.kimryjelen.com/)
The show is held at Ernie Howlett Park in beautiful Palos Verdes, an equestrian community close to the coastline, with mild temps and sea breezes. Only 20 minutes from the Stuart Ng Books store in Torrance! For the show weekend, the park is transformed into horse stables, jumper rings, and tents for food, shopping, kids games and activities, and even a patio area with tables near the bar with TVs! Here are some press links about the 2023 show
https://www.pcch.net/2022-portuguese-bend-national-horse-show-2/
https://palosverdessource.com/2023/08/03/palos-verdes-65th-annual-portuguese-bend-horse-show/
This link has some historical photos of the show
https://palosverdesmagazine.com/the-portuguese-bend-national-horse-show-2/
The park grounds also feature real restrooms and a playground area for little kids.
2023 is the 65th year of this show.
It's a weekend I've recommended to artists since my first visit nearly 20 years ago! So many great sketching opportunities at this show. Horses up close -- in repose and in action. The park setting is glorious with natural shade on the hillside that provides seating. Bleacher seating near the show ring fills up fast. Show admission is free on Friday, with a nominal admission ticket fee on Saturday and Sunday. Free public parking with a shuttle bus service.
The park entrance is clearly marked especially for this show with a life-size fiberglass thoroughbred.
Attendants at the park entrance will direct you to the free parking for the general public across the street in a large dirt lot.
Free shuttle bus service operates continually. The busses will take you up this driveway, past the exhibitor/crew parking..
As you walk towards the General Admission tent.. this will be your view on the right...
You'll likely see some horses up close along the way...
This sign is at a cross way between the temporary stables and the entrance path..
Below is the admissions tent at the end of the path, where you can get your tickets and program.
Here are some views of the show grounds... Please remember I took these photos early on Friday... the least crowded moment of the 3 day show weekend...
Sunday is the big show jumping day. Lots of great photo ops. Friday is the least crowded day, but has fewer added attractions than Saturday and Sunday. Any day you go will be a great day. Because of horses of course! Photos below are from past years at this show...
From 2009..
From 2011...
No comments:
Post a Comment