Crooked Tree Arts Center Featured as Charity Partner for New Grand Prix Event at Traverse City Horse Shows on September 15

For Immediate Release

September 10, 2024

Crooked Tree Arts Center Featured as Charity Partner for New Grand Prix Event at Traverse City Horse Shows on September 15

TRAVERSE CITY, MI —  Crooked Tree Arts Center (CTAC), a community arts organization with locations in downtown Petoskey and Traverse City, is honored to be selected as charity partner for the first ever $340,000 Longines FEI Jumping World CupTM CSI5*-W Grand Prix event put on by Traverse City Horse Shows (TCHS). The event will be held Sunday, September 15 at Flintfields Horse Park at 2:00 pm. TCHS will donate 100% of its general admission ticket sales from their Grand Prix event to CTAC, supporting their year-long arts education programming.

This week’s grand prix promises “edge-of-your-seat excitement for spectators of all ages,” as world-class riders and their horses vie for the $340,000 prize purse. In addition to the competition itself, attendees will enjoy delicious food and drink, shop vendors, and family-friendly entertainment including live music by electronic violinist Alfiya Glow. 

As part of their Charity Ticket Program, TCHS selects 12 local non-profit organizations every year and assigns them to a specific event during their Tournament of Champions, which runs September 4–22, 2024. Kristi Wodek, Vice President at Crooked Tree Arts Center, applied for the program this past winter. 

“When we heard that we were not only chosen for the program, but that we were matched with this new, show-stopping event, I was over the moon,” said Wodek. “We’re excited to introduce our audience to premier equestrian talent through this partnership and are grateful to Traverse City Horse Shows for the opportunity. At our table area, we’ll have equestrian-inspired artwork on display by local artists available for sale. We can’t wait for you to be amazed by all the talent and fun at this event!”

"We’re excited to partner with Crooked Tree Arts Center for this week’s main event," said Gary Howe, Marketing and PR Director for Traverse City Horse Shows. "We love showcasing the incredible talent happening here in Northern Michigan, and this partnership is a perfect way to connect equestrian sport with our vibrant local arts community. Crooked Tree has been a cornerstone of artistic expression in the region, and we’re proud to share the best of both worlds with a global audience.”

More about the Grand Prix Event:

The $340,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ CSI5*-W Grand Prix is a new and highly anticipated event for Traverse City, and acts as a qualifier for the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final in Basel, Switzerland, in April 2025. “It’s definitely one of the most prestigious events we offer as it draws top riders from around the world,” notes Howe. “We expect a dozen Olympians who competed in Paris this summer to participate.” The Grand Prix will be rebroadcast on CBS Sports on September 16 at 6:00 pm.

Event Details:

  • Date: Sunday, September 15
  • Time: First competitor starts at 2:00 pm EST. Spectators are encouraged to arrive 30-60 minutes before for seating and pre-show. 
  • Location: Flintfields Horse Park, 6535 Bates Rd. Williamsburg, MI
  • General Admission Tickets: $15 

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About the Crooked Tree Arts Center: The mission of the Crooked Tree Arts Center (CTAC) is to create ways for people to connect, learn, and grow through the arts. CTAC offers exhibits, concerts, classes, lectures, special events, and so much more, from its campuses in Petoskey and Traverse City. For more information, please visit www.crookedtree.org.