AZ Copper Country Paint-O-Ramas Promise Big Fun, Big Prizes With Year-End Extravaganza

By: Brittany Bevis

While many AQHA competitors will be making the journey south to the sunny shores of Florida for the Gold Coast, Gulf Coast, Fun In The Sun Extravaganza, and Fox Lea Farm Winter Circuit,  APHA exhibitors will be traveling out west to the Copper Country Paint-O-Ramas, December 29-January 3rd at WestWorld in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“After more than 30 years as the largest APHA in the nation, Copper Country Paint-O-Ramas were revived in 2013/2014 in a debut at WestWorld as an overwhelming success,” says show rep Delores Kuhlwein. “Copper Country has traditionally welcomed APHA exhibitors completing their national point run for the last three days of the year and provided a way to begin their show year with a great start.”

Judges for the 2015 portion of the event will be Daren Wright, Laura Gilmer, Gayle Lampinen, and Jan Larsen. Judges for the 2016 portion will be David Parlier, Delena Doyle, Terri Wirthlin, and Chris Jeter.

Last year’s December POR placed fourth on the APHA Top 20 show list, and an excellent turnout is expected this year as well. Upon arrival at WestWorld, each competitor will receive a check-in gift bag complete with samples, surprise gift certificates, and plenty of visitor information, in what has become a show tradition year after year.

Something new for this year’s event is that each winner of regular Copper Country classes will receive a special prize, thanks to the generosity of sponsors like Farnam, Kimes Ranch, Marylyn Caliendo, Schneiders, Mare Magic, Usher Brand, Scottsdale Western World, the Gift of Midas, Show Me Again, Booyah Custom Clothing, Showtime Show Clothing, the Arizona Horse Connection, Barbara’s Custom Hats, Greenway Saddlery, many more. For those looking to do some shopping at the show, vendors will include Barbara’s, Showtime, Show Me Again, Scottsdale Western World, Churchill’s, Kathy’s Tack, and Cowdog Saddles.

For those who can’t make the trip, all of the action will be available on the live feed, courtesy of iEquine.com, broadcast straight from the improved Tony Nelssen/Equidome.

In addition to a full schedule of competition, there are numerous fun events and socials planned.

Monday, Dec. 28th– AjPHC Silent Auction begins, Stallion Service Auction begins, vendors arrive

Tuesday, Dec. 29th– Boot Scramble at the Lunch Break- Everyone is invited to compete for a pair of Kimes Ranch Jeans!

Wednesday, Dec. 30th- Free Exhibitors’ Dinner from 5-7 pm, Calcutta for Costume Team competition and auction to benefit After The Homestretch Horse Rescue at 6:30 pm, Jazz music of Bryne Donaldson and Lawrence Ross 5-7 pm

Friday, Jan. 1st- APHC Hall of Fame Presentation during the lunch break, Paint the Paint Horse Kid’s Activity 1-3 pm, Diamondback’s Organist Bobby Freeman Autographs 2:30-3:30 pm, AjPHC Silent Auction closes at 3:00 pm, Costume Class Benefit for After The Homestrech at 4:00 pm.

Sunday, Jan. 3rd- Doggie Derby during the lunch break

Scroll below to check out more information about all the fun planned for the Copper Country Paint-O-Ramas! Stay tuned to EquineChronicle.com for results and photos from the show.

For more information about the show, visit www.azcoppercountry.com