October at the Grand Oaks Resort
As we begin our busy season at the Grand Oaks Resort, we reflect upon the grace that was bestowed on us in the wake of Hurricane Ian. The Grand Oaks faired very well and for that, we are grateful. For our neighbors in SWFL, Central Florida, Puerto Rico, and Cuba, who were devastated by this storm, our hearts go out to them. Their road to recovery will be hard, but there are folks working behind the scenes on their behalf, like Crystal Riczu, DVM. She and her colleagues of hers have been working tirelessly for the victims of Ian. If you would like to learn more about how you could donate to this cause, you can follow the link here.
The Grand Oaks Fall events will kick off with the October 8-9, Horse Shows in the Park/Hunt Country, Saturday and Sunday, Hunter/Jumper show. Barns from all over Florida will come out to this popular show series and compete in classes like; the HSITP/SEMF Child’s/Adult 3’ Medal held in the covered arena, Long and Short Stirrup divisions held in the Triple Crown arena, and crossrails to Open Jumpers held in the NUPAFeed Fiber Arena. The Grand Oaks Resort, alongside HSITP, LLC, is proud to hold this year-round series that gives all riders a chance to show in a beautiful, boutique setting, complete with posh villas, a Bistro to dine or carry-out delicious meals, and even golf cart rentals to explore our 400 acres. And as for the show experience, you would be hard-pressed to find a series like the HSITP that prides itself in giving riders of all ages and riding levels a truly professional, non-sanctioned show that has the feel, competition, prizes, and grandeur of any rated show you can find.
We’re not just a venue for horses, as the next event proves. October 21-23, the NorAust K9 Agility Training event will be held in the covered arena. Dogs and their people from all over Central and North Central Florida, who are members of NorAust K9 training group, will compete and train over exciting obstacles, through tubes and in and out of poles! It is an absolute delight to watch, as the smallest, pluckiest Pomeranian to the big and agile German Shepard, strut their stuff around the course, showing off how much they have learned and how much fun they’re having with their people! If you are not a member, but still love dogs, you are more than welcome to come out and watch and of course root for the pooches!
The last weekend of October, HSITP/Hunt Country series will be back at the Grand Oaks for their three-day, Halloween Spooktacular Show! This is one of the most popular shows of the year, as the whole weekend is chock-full of activities, games, and costume classes. The barns also compete to see whose stalls are decorated the most Halloweeny and every year, the horse and rider costumes get more fun and creative. The show classes and divisions will remain the same as a normal show, but the riders and horses will be permitted to show in costume, as long as they are still wearing their ASTM/SEI-approved helmets and the costumes do not impede safety.
The resort will also be busy all month long with private events, parties, and banquets. We have recently had the entire roof of the main buildings redone, and we have remodeled The Oak Room banquet hall. The Oak Room and Bridge Room are the perfect places to hold wedding receptions, baby showers, club meetings, corporate events, trade shows and so much more! Catering packages are also available through The Bistro, featuring an array of mouthwatering dishes and buffet service. The rooms are filling up fast for the Holiday Party season, but there is still room available, so be sure to give the Grand Oaks Resort a call at (352)750-5500 to inquire about dates and availability.
We are so excited and grateful to be a trusted member of not only the equine community but also the Central Florida resort and attractions community. The Grand Oaks offers our guests, from the Winter boarder to the remote worker, a place to stay away from the crowds, noise, and stress of the city and busy suburbs and instead, lose themselves under the canopy of ancient Granddaddy Oaks, the relaxing sound of a fly fishing line, or a glass of wine with dinner on the patio of The Bistro. At the Grand Oaks Resort, come out and surround yourself with the natural beauty of Florida, and have a ‘Grand’ stay.
