Opening Party for 122nd National Horse Show Hosted by The Bellissimo Family

Wellington, FL – December 2, 2005 – In the century-old tradition of the National Horse Show, a special party is held every night in a different location to celebrate the annual competition and provide an opportunity for riders, trainers, owners and officials to socialize off the show grounds. Living up to that grand tradition in grand style, on Thursday, December 1, following the second day of competition, The Bellissimo Family of Wellington, Florida, hosted the “Opening Party” for the 122nd National Horse Show at their magnificent home in the Palm Beach Polo Golf and Country Club’s gated enclave, Bridle Path. More than 200 prominent horsemen and women enjoyed cocktails and hors’ d’oeuvres catered by Ken-Rose Catering, outdoors in the enchanted castle-like environment of the home’s courtyard.

Designed by renowned architect Laszlo Wagner, the Bellissimo home is built around a major collection of architectural antiquities and is comprised of four connected ‘wings’ that form the ‘walls’ of the courtyard, which is centered around a Romanesque well-head in a lovely pond, back-dropped by a stone arch – both architectural pieces dating from a 13th century monastery. The corner tower overlooking a pool and the stone balusters of the courtyard also effectively created the castle-like feel. Showcased at the oyster bar was a lovely ice sculpture of the National Horse Show’s famous logo. Guests were allowed to ‘tour’ the lovely rooms of the home and its trove of treasures including stone window surrounds from a chateau in France’s Loire Valley; antique fireplaces dating from the 14th century, and 2-1/2-inch thick limestone floors from a 16th century French chateau.

Mr. and Mrs. Bellissimo with their four children, Matthew, age 15; Paige, 14; Nicole, 12; and Michael, 10, moved to Wellington from Weston, Massachusetts, in August 2004. They purchased a home in the club, but when they discovered “La Charant,” they were charmed and moved into their new residence in April. The “Opening Party” for the National Horse Show was the Bellissimo family’s first major party in their new home. “The girls and I all ride and felt very welcomed by the entire community,” said Katherine Bellissimo, adding, “Not just the riders, but my sons also enjoy being part of the whole environment. We gave this party to say thank-you to the community.”

Katherine and both of her two daughters are competing in the National Horse Show. Katherine rides two horses in the Adult Hunters; Nicole competes in the Children’s Jumpers and Large Pony Hunters; and Paige competes in the Children’s Hunter Horses. All train with Ken and Emily Smith of Ashland Farms. “The girls have a history of bringing along young ponies – that’s one of our goals. It’s not just about competition, but it’s also about you as a rider,” noted Mrs. Bellissimo. “What you can do.”

Mrs. Bellissimo explained that she and her husband are usually very private people and generally entertain on a more intimate, smaller scale than the National Horse Show’s Opening Party. “But this was something special,” Mrs. Bellissimo stated.

Guests included: Bertram and Diana Firestone, Bob and Laura Kraut, Ellen and Ansgar Holtgers, Eric and Florence Flameng, Gene Mische, Liz Klein, Tim Boulton, Gig Stetler, Marsh Dammerman, Jesse Coppola, Susan Guinam, Helen Varble, John and Kim Walker III with son John Walker IV, Kitty Barker, Scot Evans, Mary Hilton, Mason Phelps, Martha and Pierre Jolicouer, Michael and Barb Simpson, Michele Grubb, Duncan Ingles, Dougie Mutch, Richard Schechter, Jennifer Reid, Ron Neal, Tuny Page, Scott Culp, Bruce Duchossois, Stuart and Carolyn Johnston, Susie Humes, Bob Drennan, Tom and Regis Wenham.

The 122nd National Horse Show and Family Festival runs through Sunday, December 4, at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in Wellington, Florida.

PHOTO CREDIT: Mark Bellissimo, Katherine Bellissimo, Mary Hilton, and Mason Phelps PHOTO BY: Linda Wirtz