It’s just three years old, but the Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase is already being spoken of in the reverential tones reserved for such prestigious lifestyle and automotive events as the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Florida’s Amelia Island Concours, and the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England.
It’s easy to see why. The sprawling event on Saturday, September 28 attracted more than 4,500 well-heeled attendees — including Lexi Balzano, Derek Balzano, Francisco Rizo, Jenna Owens, Morgan Kaufmann, Stacy Hicks, Daniel Welling, Linda Welling, Sunie Solomon, Steve Solomon, MC Solomon, David Solomon, Kim Collins, Amanda Bancroft, and Charles Bancroft — who oohed and aahed their way around the lush, manicured fairways of the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas.
Their focus — 325 rare and exotic automobiles, best-of-the-best classics from regional clubs, and new models from Rolls-Royce, Maserati, McLaren, Bentley, Karma, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Volvo, Jaguar, and Land Rover. Overall rolling sculpture value — $100 million.
But cars weren’t the only attractions. Participants also enjoyed gourmet cuisine samplings from the area’s top restaurants (Toulouse, Cool River, Dallas Fish Market, and other notables). And Dallas’ iconic Highland Park Village sponsored an over-the-top high-fashion show produced by Jan Strimple while regional bands rocked the day away on the Lexus Live Stage.
Dallas’ own "Mad Hatter" Shane Walker judged a “Haute Hat” contest for both women and men immediately after the fashion show.
The event also served as a powerful fundraiser. “We’re proud that this year’s Showcase raised $141,000 for the Baylor Scott & White Irving Foundation,” said Ken Schnitzer, chairman of Park Place Dealerships.
The funds will help with the acquisition of new imaging equipment for patients undergoing radiation therapy at Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center – Irving.
Schnitzer presented awards to beaming vehicle owners in 13 categories, including American, German, Italian, British, International and Supercar classes, as well as the top Concours awards:
- Best in Show – 1936 Mercedes Benz 500 K
- Chairman’s Choice Award – 1964 Aston Martin DB5
- Salesmanship Club Award – 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso
The striking “Spirit of Park Place” Concours trophies were designed and handcrafted by renowned sculptor Brad Oldham and his partner Christy Coltrin, known for Deep Ellum’s Traveling Man installation.
A couple of small glitches caught attendees off-guard, such as an AC failure at the indoor Porsche Pavilion, which brought a misty glow to the glitterati as they sampled delicious bites and cool beverages. And at times, the valet parking area bore a striking resemblance to a Friday afternoon on the North Dallas Tollway. But for the most part, visitors dismissed the minor inconveniences.
Those also spotted in the crowd, having a great time, included Chris Rainbolt, Rocky Rainbolt, Karen Turner, Lori Blair, Chase Zurbriggren, Luna Tran, Renee Deleon, Adam Hearon, Linda Lancaster, Hendrika Diehl, Victoria Snee, Liz Thrash, Angela Walker, Gary Johnson, James Roche, Vanessa Dreyfus, Madelyn Erwin, Jake Larsen, and Becky Ward.
Plans are already underway for 2020’s gathering. Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines.
Lexi Balzano, Derek Balzano
