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Gulf Coast Final wrap up
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Mar 25, 2025
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THE GULF COAST WINTER CLASSIC GRAND FINALE WRAP UP |
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For Immediate Release: March 25, 2025 Gulfport, Mississippi |
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$25,000 Sidelines Grand PrixMTM Vinze and Katherine Le Blanc VICTORIOUS! |
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The 27th Annual Gulf Coast Winter Classic wrapped up on Sunday under sunny skies. The final Grand Prix of the 2025 season closed out the six weeks of show jumping and awarded Katherine Le Blanc of Folsom, Louisiana, and David O’Donnell’s MTM Vinze the win in the $25,000 Sidelines Grand Prix.
According to Le Blanc, MTM Vinze is a sixteen-year-old Irish Sport Horse. “David O’Donnell owns him, and I get the pleasure to ride him!” Le Blanc has been partnered with him for about two years. Le Blanc and MTM Vinze have been competing at the Grand Prix level during their partnership, and she said he also competed in Europe. “He’s very experienced.”
With a first round time set at 82 seconds, three would advance to the jump-off round. Kianna Luscher of Hawthorne, New Jersey, aboard Susan Cline-Wilkinson’s Identiek, were the first to tackle the course and earned twelve jump faults in a time of 40.03 seconds. Brian Murphy of Ocala, Florida and Light Speed Equestrian, LLC’s Glenara Chacco DP, posted a clear jump off round in a time of 42.03 and took the lead. Le Blanc and MTM Vinze sat in the enviable last-to-go position. The pair turned in a fault-free jump-off round in a time of 38.413 seconds, securing the win and moving Murphy and Glenara Chacco DP into second place, and Luscher and Identiek in third. |
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Le Blanc also finished in seventh overall with David O’Donnell’s MTM Turbojack.
“The course asked a lot of questions, and there were a lot of options. But the time allowed was generous and gave you a lot of time to answer the questions on course,” Le Blanc said. “Even after six weeks of showing, the grass Grand Prix field was really good, and it was just a beautiful, sunny afternoon.”
Holly Shepherd from Grand Bay, Alabama, won fourth and fifth place with Loretta Patterson’s Giovanni Massuere and HJ Hercules, respectively. Rebecca Buchanan of Edmond, Oklahoma, and her own Chazino, finished in sixth. Avery Wegmann of Saint Rose, Louisiana, finished in eighth with her own Chacco Brown, and Mckenzie Welch of Lakeland, Tennessee, earned ninth place with her own Leisker. Cristiana Caruso of Franklin, Tennessee, rode Elle Kleueppelberg’s Lucky Luuk VB to a tenth placing, and Heather Kuiper of Indianapolis, Indiana, rode Wind Haven Farm’s Bianca Du Rouet to an eleventh placing.
Le Blanc has been competing at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic for twenty-three years and commented, “Thanks for a great Circuit! Thank you to my team and my owners. It’s a group effort that makes it all possible.”
For complete information, please visit horseshowsonline.com. |
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Bob Bell, President of the Gulf Coast and Classic Companies, greet Katherine Le Blanc and MTM Vinze in the winner's circle. |
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Sidelines Magazine is the Gulf Coast and Classic Companies' Official Lifestyle Magazine. Sidelines Magazine understands what makes the horse world exciting — the individuals and stories behind the scoreboards. Sidelines is a monthly publication and is available in print and online. |
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The Clothes Horse is an Official Awards Sponsor of the Gulf Coast Winter Classics and has been manufacturing custom-made horse blankets, tack room drapes, and trunk covers since 1972.
The Clothes Horse now makes items for some of the most prestigious show barns and horse shows in the country, as well as for private horse owners nationwide.
The Clothes Horse has grown to be the manufacturer of the most elegant and well-crafted horse products available. Visit them online. |
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Brian Murphy and Glenara Chacco DPWin the $7,500 Welcome |
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Brian Murphy and Light Speed Equestrian, LLC’s Glenara Chacco DP, clinched the win in the final $7,500 Gulf Coast Welcome. With a first-round time allowed of 78 seconds, only four would advance to a second-round opportunity.
Cristinia Caruso and Elle Kleueppelberg’s Lucky Luuk VB were the first to tackle the second round, and their fault-free time in 37.03 seconds set the new time to beat.
The horse race continued when Holly Shepherd and Loretta Patterson’s Giovanni Massuere followed and set the new time to beat at 30.723 seconds.
Rebecca Buchanan and her own Chazino were the next to advance to a second round. Despite a fault-free second round, their time of 34.899 seconds would earn them a third place.
Murphy and Glenara Chacco DP sat in the last-to-go position. The pair flew through the course fault-free, and their time of 30.101 seconds secured the win, moving Shepherd and Giovanni Massuere into second. Caruso and Lucky Luuk VB finished in fourth place.
Kianna Luscher and Susan Cline-Wilkenson’s Identiek finished in fifth place after earning one time fault in their first round. Stephanie Kasbrick of Columbia, Tennessee, and her own Passe Partout finished as the fastest four-fault first round in sixth place, and Heather Kuiper aboard Wind Haven Farm’s Bianca Du Rouet earned seventh. Mckenzie Welch and her own Leisker finished in eighth place.
For more information, please visit horseshowsonline.com. |
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Stephanie Kasbrick and Passe PartoutWin the $5,000 1.25mSchneiders SaddleryJumper Classic |
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Stephanie Kasbrick and her own Passe Partout won the $5,000 Schneiders Saddlery 1.25 m Jumper Classic to close out the final week of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic.
Only two horse and rider teams would advance to a second round opportunity, with a time allowed of 48 seconds.
Christi Israel of Summerdale, Alabama, and her own Chez the Man Z tackled the second round. Despite beating the time allowed with their own 43,048 seconds, the pair earned four jump faults. Five rides later, Kasbrick and Passe Partout turned in a clear second round in a time of 44.643 seconds, earning them the win and moving Israel and Chez the Man Z into second place.
“My mare, Passe Partout, aka Pip, is the partner of a lifetime. Dani Grice, my trainer, has helped me realize my potential as a rider and challenged me in the best ways. We have worked very hard this winter, and it's really paying off. Pip absolutely loves the Grand Prix field here and really showed up to play this week! The Open Classic course was so much fun and a great opportunity for her to open her stride and let her use her scope. The grass field is a delight to ride on and I’m just thrilled with our efforts here!”
Third place was awarded to Courtney Wheeler and Oakside, LLC’s Currabawn Daisy. Holly Shepherd and Loretta Patterson’s Warmachine finished in fourth, and Amanda Wilson, aboard her own Tempranillo, placed fifth. Rebecca Buchanan and Lauren Maynard’s Ultra Cassual finished in sixth and Katherine Le Blanc earned seventh place with MTM Rolo. Zoe Elizabeth Mielenz rode Steve Schaefer’s Halo to an eighth place, and Sarah Young finished in ninth place with Amy Clemson’s Southern Takhi.
For more information, please visit horseshowsonine.com. |
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About Schneiders Saddlery |
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At Schneider’s, their family-owned company has maintained a dedication to value, product quality, innovation, customer service, and a love and commitment to the equestrian industry. Visit them online at sstack.com. |
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MTM Figurative Wins the$5,000 Marshall + SterlingClassic Hunter Derby |
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Derby Queen Holly Shepherd clinched the win in the last Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby for the Gulf Coast Winter Classic with Hayden Moody’s MTM Figurative.
The pair bested a field of nineteen horse-and-rider teams. According to Shepherd, she was asked to step in when his usual rider, Brittany DeSalvo, became ill. Shepherd also won second place with Jennifer Durr’s Bon Voyage and sixth with Chloe Palato’s MTM Unlimited.
Shepherd said, “We had a great circuit. We had lots of wins with lots of friends and had a really great time. We finished with a beautiful week, and we’re looking forward to coming back next year.”
Winter Moon, owned by Cathy Rheinheimer and ridden by Heather Kuiper of Indianapolis, Indiana, finished in third place. Ballentine’s F, owned and ridden by Christine Moody of Flora, Mississippi, placed fourth overall and won the $250 Marshall + Sterling 3’3” Non-Pro Rider Bonus.
Treiben, owned by Janet Beyersdorfer and ridden by Sarah Young of Spring Hill, Kansas, finished sixth overall. Rylee Richardson’s Lord Dixon, ridden by Brooke Parkison of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, placed seventh overall and also won the $250 Marshall + Sterling 3’ Non-Pro Rider Bonus. Parkinson also finished in ninth place with her own Actionable and won the $150 Marshall + Sterling 3’ 3” Non-Pro Rider Bonus. Milestone, owned and ridden by Erin Murphy of Corpus Christi, Texas, earned eighth place, and Priscilla O’Donnell’s Last Call, ridden by Katherine Le Blanc, earned tenth.
Wind Haven Farm’s Calaco R, ridden by Emma Rheinheimer of Lebanon, Indiana, finished eleventh overall and also won the $100 Marshall + Sterling 3’3” Non-Pro Rider Bonus. Hollister, owned and ridden by Kippen McWhirter of Daphne, Alabama, wrapped up the class with twelfth place.
Quintessential, owned and ridden by Addysen Schultz of Niceville, Florida, won the $150 Marshall + Sterling 3’ Non-Pro Rider Bonus, and Psychedelic, owned and ridden by Heather Millis of Winona, Minnesota, won the $100 Marshall + Sterling 3’ Non-Pro Rider Bonus.
All ribbon winners in the Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derbies held at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic, the Ocala Spring Classics, and Week 1 of the Aiken Summer Classic, will receive a free entry to compete in the $25,000 Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby, including Non-Pro Rider Bonuses, Week 2 of the Aiken SUmmer Classic.
For complete results, please visit horseshowsonline.com. |
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About Marshall + Sterling |
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Marshall + Sterling Insurance is the title sponsor of all Classic Hunter Derbies at all Gulf Coast and Classic shows.
Marshall + Sterling Insurance specializes in personalized plans that encompass a full range of extensive coverage options, uniquely tailored to fit your distinctive needs.
Marshall + Sterling’s Equisport Division was created by insurance professionals to meet the demands of horse owners from competing professionals, dedicated amateurs, and those who just plain love horses. With a client service and claims team second to none, one quick call to their office will provide you with instant answers.
Marshall + Sterling Insurance has been around for more than 100 years. Reach out to the company that stands the test of time. |
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Perfect Products Adult Amateur Hunter |
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Ocean Eyes Crowned Champion |
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Congratulations to Meredith Mouney and her own Ocean Eyes, Champion of the Perfect Products Adult Amateur Hunters for Week 6.
According to Mouney, she has shown at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic since the very first show. “I showed in Gulfport when Hunter 1 Ring was a grass field!” Mouney continued, “My horse Ocean Eyes, aka Ike, is turning six this year, and it’s been wonderful to have this circuit to advance his education. My son, Theo Ralph, was the Opportunity Circuit Champion this year on his brand new mount, Ribbon and Blues, aka Bart. Our entire family loves the Gulf Coast Winter Classics, and we look forward to this circuit every year!”
Bon Voyage, ridden by Jennifer Durr, was awarded Reserve Champion. |
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Perfect Products’ company mission is to offer formulas that help support your horse’s mental focus and athletic potential when it counts.
Don’t get caught by surprise when you enter the ring! Prepare your horse mentally and physically with Perfect Products’ show safe line of nutraceuticals.
From the calming support you trust from Perfect Prep to their effective line of gastric, joint, muscle, and soundness solutions, Perfect Products supports your horse’s performance when it counts.
Enter the ring confidently with Perfect Products. |
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PERFECT PRODUCTSPICTURE-PERFECT MOMENTOF GULF COAST WINTER CLASSICWEEK 6 |
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Congratulations to Kianna Luscher, the recipient of the 2025 Sportsmanship Award. “Kiana was chosen by the show staff and their peers as deserving of this award,” commented Bob Bell, President of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic. We're so happy she spent her winter with us on the Gulf."
Luscher hails from Hawthorne, New Jersey, and commented, "I feel immensely grateful for my entire team, parents and Paul included, who make it all possible and keep the horses looking and feeling their best. Thank you for all of your hard work, and thank you to the Classic Company for such an enjoyable six weeks of horse shows. Ia big thank you to Nancy Wallis for all of her guidance and time spent with me and my horses during the circuit." |
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Circuit Champions Crowned! |
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Green Hunter 3'/3'3" Circuit Award, Winter Moon, owned by Cathy Rheinheimer, ridden by Heather Kuiper
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| AO Hunter 3'6" Circuit Award, Tinka’s Boy, owned and ridden by Gabrielle Young
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AO Hunter 3'3" Circuit Award, MTM Tourino, owned and ridden by Kiera Thieneman
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| Junior Hunter 3'6" Circuit Award, Ballentine’s F, owned and ridden by Christine Moody |
| Junior Hunter 3'3" Circuit Award, Going Global, owned by Kendall Lacy and ridden by Maren Lacy
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Medium Pony Hunter Circuit Award, Shenandoah Moonspinner, owned and ridden by Vivian Silva.
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| Green Pony Hunter Circuit Award, See Ya Later, owned and ridden by Claire Champion |
| Child Pony Hunter Circuit Award, Back in Black, owned by Elle Sievert and ridden by Isla Gates
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Low Child Hunter 2'6" Circuit Award, Gideon, owned by Andrea J. Frate and ridden by Emily Pfitzner |
| Adult Hunter 36-49 Circuit Award, Bon Voyage, owned and ridden by Jennifer Durr |
| Short/Long Stirrup Hunter Circuit Award, Trading Places, owned by Heather Hartley and ridden by Addison Epperson |
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.85m Jr/Am Jumper Circuit Award, Country Boy, owned by Brittany Sommer DeSalvo and ridden by Finley Broussard
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| 1.20m/1.25m Jr/Am Jumper Circuit Award, Currabawn Daisy, owned by Oakside, LLC and ridden by Courtney Wheeler |
| Performance Hunter Circuit Award, Sidenote, owned by EMO Stables, ridden by Holly Shepherd |
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Open Jumper Circuit Award, Warmachine, owned by Loretta Patterson and ridden by Holly Shepherd
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| Opportunity Circuit Award, Ribbon and Blues, owned by Reese Christoffersen and ridden by Theo Ralph
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| 1.0m Jr/Am Jumper Circuit Award, MTM Top Gun, owned and ridden by Hayden Moody |
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Green Hunter 3'6/3'9 Circuit Award, Evocative, owned by Barbara Risius, ridden by Holly Shepherd
Small Pony Hunter Circuit Award, Napa Valley, owned by Family Circus, Inc. and ridden by Myers Allen Saunders
Large Pony Hunter Circuit Award, Newsflash, owned by Family Circus, Inc. and ridden by Geneva Saunders
Child Hunter 14 & U Circuit Award, Heist, owned by Meghan Felts and ridden by Blakely Dobronich
Adult Hunter 18-35 Circuit Award, Chacario PS, owned and ridden by Sarah Morris
Adult Hunter 50+ Circuit Award, Lennox RW, owned and ridden by Lynn Rice
Low Adult Hunter 2'6" Circuit Award, Estelle, owned and ridden by Gabriella Matteuccci
Baby Green Hunter Circuit Award, Anacapri, owned by Samanta Vetor and ridden by Heather Kuiper
1.30m/1.45m Jr/Am Jumper Circuit Award, Quinten Van Hippo-Lux, owned by Hillcrest Farm, Inc. and ridden by Avery Krueger
Child Hunter 15-17 Circuit Award, MTM Gift of Gab, owned and ridden by Anne Moody
1.10m Jr/Am Jumper Circuit Award, Delta Dawn, owned and ridden by Emmalee Lentile
Congratuation everyone! |
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Mark Your Calendars for 2026 |
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SO MANY REASONSTO PLAN YOUR WINTER SEASON WITH THE GULF COAST CLASSIC COMPANY |
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| A class for everyone in your barn! |
| Beautiful Gulf Coast location. |
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Amazing show jumping on the beautiful grass Grand Prix field. |
| The perfect show series to develop your young riders and horses! |
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Gulf Coast and Classic Company Events |
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JOIN US ON THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COASTFebruary 12 - March 22, 2026 |
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The facility is fantastic, and its claim to fame is the beautiful grass Grand Prix field that rivals Spruce Meadows. The Gulf Coast Winter Classic offers ample stabling, complimentary Riders Lounges, and plenty of RV spots and is located just minutes from the Biloxi-Gulfport Airport, the beach, and hotels.
The town of Gulfport is situated along the pristine beaches of the Gulf Coast with fun waterfront towns, fine dining, and shopping. If you're craving live entertainment, take a short drive to neighboring Biloxi or head to New Orleans. |
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Marshall + Sterling is the title sponsor of all $5,000 Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derbies 3' and 3'3", including Non-Pro Rider Bonuses, at all Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Company events in 2025. |
| Allen Beverages is the Official Non-Alcoholic Beverage Provider at the 2025 Gulf Coast Winter Classic. |
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Sponsorship and Vendor Opportunities |
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THE CLASSIC AND GULF COAST CLASSIC COMPANIES |
The Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies' philosophy is to offer an event for every level of rider and horse. From Lead Line to Grand Prix competition, from seasoned veteran horse and rider team to a first-time horse show experience, the Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies offer competition that provides the competitor substantial prize money, award-winning facilities, and courses, quality competition, and the best customer service in the industry.
Service sets the Gulf Coast and Classic Companies apart from other horse shows. The Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies provide champion service from in-gates to show office at all its venues. Top competition, with an emphasis on southern hospitality, is their hallmark and the reason thousands prefer to compete at the Gulf Coast and Classic Company-produced events each year. |
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Thank You to our Gulf Coast Winter ClassicOfficial Lodging Partners |
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Harrah's Gulf Coast
Surrounded by white-sand beaches, Harrah’s Gulf Coast offers genuine Southern hospitality in the heart of Biloxi, Mississippi. Stay in one of their 499 luxe rooms and suites, chase thrills on the casino floor, make time for rejuvenation at their spa and salon, or kick back by the resort-style pool.
When you book your room, make sure to mention the special Gulf Coast Winter Classic discount using the code HORSE SHOW DISCOUNT.Text L |
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The Residence Inn
The Residence Inn offers spacious rooms with kitchenettes and is pet-friendly.
DISCOUNT BOOKING INFORMATION:
Click here to book online and receive the Discounted Gulf Coast Winter Classic rate or use GQF. With this special rate, receive 10,000 Marriott Bonvoy Bonus Points.
If you call the Residence Inn to make your reservation, use these codes when booking to receive your discount:
Studio Suite – GQFI One-Bedroom Suite – GQFO Two-Bedroom Suite – GQFPT |
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The Holiday Inn
The award-winning Holiday Inn Hotel Gulfport - Airport is offering special Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show Rates.
Call 228-679-1700 and ask for the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show rate. |
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Centennial Plaza
Whether you are looking for the best family vacation spot on the Mississippi Gulf Coast or a relaxing luxury hotel experience, Centennial Plaza has a room for you!
Oasis Resort offers rooms and suites designed with families in mind. Their Kid Suites feature fun layouts that include bunk beds while still giving parents a little more space to breathe.
Grand Centennial Hotel offers the Coast’s most relaxing luxury hotel rooms in a majestic historic building with a beautiful view of Centennial Plaza’s grounds.
Centennial Plaza guests are invited to enjoy all the amenities the property has to offer, including the extensive water playground, 950-foot-long lazy river, and zero-entry swimming pool. Front-row viewing of Centennial Plaza’s dancing fountain is a must-see, and no stay would be complete without dining at the on-site restaurants. |
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Dad's Camper Rentals
Want to stay onsite? Dad’s Camper Rentals will deliver a camper to the showgrounds for you! They are offering special rates and have campers available for all party sizes. You will need to reserve your camper spot as well, so act now! Click here for the camper reservation form and be sure to contact Dad’s Camper Rentals. |
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| The Classic Company, Ltd. | PO Box 1311 | Johns Island, SC 29457 US |
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