Wellington, Fla. – April 17, 2018 – The 9th Annual Land Rover Palm Beach International Gay Polo Tournament came to a fabulous end Saturday, April 7th at International Polo Club Palm Beach, with five tailgates crowned for their creative achievements. The panel of tailgate judges, led by Yolanda Sheppard, Market Sales Manager of Celebrity Cruises, were faced with a tough decision with a multitude of expansive and spirited themed tailgates, many of which combined costumes, props and menus to produce intricate experiences. Ultimately, five of the most impressive tailgates were awarded a coveted tailgate award presented by Celebrity Cruises, the sponsor of the 2018 GPL Tailgate Competition.
Best In Show – Kevin Clark / “Blush and Bashful”
Best Spirit – Tim Minerd / “In The Navy”
Best Tailgate Single Space – Brad Behnke / “Polo Safari”
Best Tailgate Multiple Spaces – Wellington Hospitality / “Little House on the Prairie”
Best Corporate Tailgate – Seminole Casino Coconut Creek
“I think it’s really exciting that we have been involved with GPL every year; this is our 9th year participating! It’s a wonderful cause and we are thrilled to be here. It’s not a traditional event – it brings a lot of different people together, from equestrians and the community, and we always have a great time!” said Scott Velozo, one of the organizers of the Blush and Bashful tailgate. “We always try to pick a different theme, and since we were able to get a pink tent, we did the ‘Blush and Bashful” thing from Steel Magnolias this year. We had approximately 110 friends join us at our tailgate. It’s always a good time! We will definitely be back next year for the 10th anniversary, so we have to find a new, fun theme.”
Sharing a similar sentiment, Tim Minerd of the “In the Navy” tailgate is a repeat attendee of the GPL Tournament, this year a part of the Best Spirit tailgate.
“We are all super proud to support our love for the LGBTQ community through the sport of polo, as well as being gay and open about it. This is our third year participating in the GPL tournament, and it feels great to win one of the tailgate awards,” commented Minerd.
Aaron Menitoff of Wellington Hospitality was a key player in inventive the “Little House on the Prairie” tailgate, winner of the Best Tailgate Multiple Spaces top spot.
“We had a really fun time with our tailgate! We participate in the GPL tournament every year because we love everyone involved with it and how fun it is. Thousands of people come out, and it is growing bigger and bigger every year,” said Menitoff. “This year, we had a special place in our hearts for the event because one of our personal favorite organizations, The Kids Cancer Foundation, was our partner. We raised a lot of money for the foundation through our petting zoo, where everyone donated by purchasing a carrot or apple to feed the donkeys and mini goats. It was a wonderful experience and fun was had by all!”
Boasting some of the most best designs in the tournament’s nine year history, the 9th Annual Land Rover Palm Beach International Gay Polo Tournament set the bar high for next year’s return of one of the most festive social events of the season. It’s never too early to start planning for 2019!
Congratulations to all of the winning tailgates!
For more information, please visit gaypolo.com.
