STAYCATIONS ARE FUN-TAKING IN PAN AM EVENTS

Summer has so many opportunities to enjoy local activities. Yes I would love to be on some tour in Europe or Australia. Just not happening. So enjoying the Pan Am fun which is here in the GTA-Greater Toronto Area has filled a need. The Equestrian Events are being held at the Centre in Palgrave- a small community on Highway 50 which is north-west of Toronto. About an hour or more for Torontonians depending where they originate their journey and about a 40 minute drive from Richmond Hill for this writer.

It was a good review of my French and Spanish as all the announcements are in three languages!  The literature in all the brochures has the languages as well.

The morning crowds were slowly building as the Dressage Event lasted until 6 pm. Needing to be bussed from the Albion Hills Conservation Area north of Bolton meant a good early start. Picked up my granddaughter and friend by 0730 to get to the park for spectator parking by 0800 then bussed to  the event by 0820. Time to look at the event vendors- horsey stuff, use the johnny on the spot and buy some water and goodies. Security does not allow any food or drinks. So sucked up the over inflated price for the food and drinks even though water was available for free if one brought their empty container! There was a booth to buy some PAN AM memorabilia so bought some more pins, stickers and a program. Adolph and I already had two tshirts courtesy of my daughter.  The two little 10 year old girls go to Horse Camp each year so Nana felt the event would be interesting for them. Well it was! Lots of red and white in the crowd. The Brazilians were noisy and fun! Venezuela will give the Canadian team a run for their money! Since the bus ride back to our car was in the middle of the day, we had it to ourselves. The girls sat at the back and giggled loudly at every bump! I chatted with the bus driver.

Overall, I found the horses and riders to be wonderful to watch doing their routine. Lots of applause from every country from the crowd could be heard. The volunteers dressed in orange were very helpful. Especially Derek, a supervisor who helped us find our way back to the bus. A change from work as it was with people out to enjoy themselves. A pleasure to be with my granddaughter and friend was relaxing in itself. The country drive along the King side road to Bolton was very soothing. The girls commented that we were the only car on the road for most of the trip. As a polite Canadian, I thanked many of the volunteers for well- volunteering for the games!