Gulfport, MS–“It’s official!” Bob Bell, Co-Chair of the Gulf Coast Classic Company, confirmed the big news this afternoon that the Winter Classics would be returning to their home at the Harrison County Equestrian Center in Gulfport, MS, for the 2007 season.

The five-week series had been displaced and relocated to Pensacola, FL, for 2006 due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina to much of the Gulf Coast region. Ironically, the show grounds were spared any major damages, yet the trouble laid in the hotels and restaurants that support the event. “Moving back to Gulfport was always the goal,” Bell continued. “The question we had was when.” Thanks in part to the tremendous efforts of the community leaders such as the Harrison County Department of Tourism, Mike McMillian, the Director of the Equestrian Center, along with Board of Supervisor's Larry Benifield, all of whom cleared the obstacles with the near impossible hotel situation. A more than sufficient number of rooms for both exhibitors and event staff have been secured for the series, including some brand new properties providing comfort and affordability to all. Restaurants, both old favorites and new, are eagerly awaiting the return of the winter event.

The year absence of the event in Gulfport seems short when looking at the scale of damage the region endured, but proved what a tight-knit township can and will do in the face of destruction. “The Winter Classics have become such a part of the community here, it was born here and has grown over the years in large part to the support of the locals.” Co-Chair Janet McCarroll began, “The winter series is a major event here and something the residents take a sense of pride in hosting.” One way show exhibitors get a taste of that sense is at the weekly parties that provide a laidback, friendly atmosphere, as well as some of the local cuisine like the popular crawl or crayfish (depending on your roots) boil complete with picnic tables decked out in corn, potatoes, and lots finger licking. “Our parties are designed to be relaxing for people.” Bob Bell explained. “After a long day of showing, it’s just nice to kick back with good food and great company.” We plan to continue these traditions in 2007’s homecoming series.

The series will return to being a five-week event from February 14-March 18, and maintain it’s USEF ratings of "AA" in hunters and four-star in jumpers, as it has in past years. Exhibitors and spectators will find the show grounds still as lovely as they remember along with a few new touches here and there. The weekly highlights will of course be the Grand Prix Show Jumping events held each Sunday afternoon and the homecoming of the series will no doubt see the return of some the country’s top horse-and-rider combinations. The public is invited to attend. Classes will run much the same as in previous years, however look for some new additions in future announcements as the planning stages continue to shape up. Prize lists will be mailed in the near future and stall reservations will be available early as it is expected the event will once again be a sell out.

For more information on the 2007 Gulf Coast Winter Classics, please visit www.classiccompany.com or call (843) 768-5503.
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