Spurs and Sparkles is one of the most unique events taking place in the capital region this summer and it happens to be a favourite for Terry McLaughlin, president of Terlin Construction.
“There is absolutely nothing like it. It’s so different and it’s just a whole lot of fun!,” explains McLaughlin. “I truly look forward to it every year.”
One of the highlights of the night is the wildly popular, and thrilling, Get Up and Gallop competition. Teams compete in a friendly three-part obstacle course which includes a fast-paced golf cart driving challenge, equestrian show jumping (performed by world-class riders) and a mystery activation. The teams are timed, and the fastest team to cross the finish line wins.
McLaughlin has been in the driver’s seat for the winning team – Terlin Construction – the last two events and is laser-focused on returning to the podium for a third time on August 19.
Although the teams are only given the course instructions on event day, Terry says he visualizes how the course might be laid out and practices leaning into turns for maximum speed.
“My wife (Catherine) would say I take it much too seriously,” he laughs. “I wouldn’t say I am an athlete, but I am competitive and in it to win.”
Spurs and Sparkles presented by RBC Royal Bank is hosted by Wesley Clover Parks with proceeds benefiting Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation. Last year the event raised more than $60,000 for the hospital and McLaughlin is encouraging corporate partners to support Spurs and Sparkles to help generate even more funds for QCH this year.
“Queensway Carleton Hospital has always been the go-to hospital for our family, ever since I was a teenager,” McLaughlin explains. “I appreciate the level of service and the level of care we receive there. We have a deep personal connection to the hospital. It’s close to our hearts.”
Spurs and Sparkles is co-chaired by Catherine McLaughlin, Events and Activations Manager at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, along with Karen Sparks, Executive Director of Wesley Clover Parks and a former Board Member of QCH Foundation. This year the committee has grown, adding two new members – Tara Borowiecki and Trie Donovan.
“We have such an amazing group of women working on the design of this event,” explains Sparks. “We are so fortunate to have them all involved. I just know this is going to be the best Spurs and Sparkles ever!”
Along with the Get Up and Gallop competition, the good times continue under the giant party tent with food and drink stations from some of the city’s best vendors. There will also be music, prizes and a silent auction, which will be open for bidding a couple weeks before the event and will close during Spurs and Sparkles.
Spurs and Sparkles is a hot ticket, so please purchase your tickets early and give yourself plenty of time to plan out your wardrobe – denim and sparkles are a must. We promise, you’ll never attend another event quite like this one.
Tickets are $185 each, $700 for a group of four or $1,650 for a block of 10 tickets. For more information about the event, including how you can participate in the Get Up and Gallop competition, please visit www.spursandsparkles.com.
