Every evening the main ballroom filled with the men who loved the games of chance and the ladies that were... strictly mink. Everyone loved the GOLD STAR... the high rollers, the card sharks, the hustlers and the city folks just looking for a real good time. It was rumored that every so often one very well-known British double-O Secret Agent dropped by to spin the wheel of fortune and charm the elegant Casino ladies.
Soon the GOLD STAR became so successful that its owner, Lucky Louis, decided that a High Stakes Game was just the ticket to bring in all the Big Boys from Back East, the Players from Chicago, and those Smooth Operators from LA and Miami. It was a good plan.
Before long everybody was talking about the Casino in Des Moines, Iowa and making plans from Coast to Coast to get there for the Big Game over Labor Day weekend. Apparently the Players and their Ladies can't resist the temptation of a Great Time, coupled with some serious competition.
Of course the Horses will be in town too...
The Stallions in the Purebred Futurity and those in the Half- Arabian Futurity will be competing for all of the attention, as well as the roses and riches. There'll be lots of places to see and be seen at fancy dinner and casual lunch parties ... like the Full House Hop, the Gambler's Choice Buffet, the Sure Thing Fling, and the Roll-of-the-Dice Diner.
In 2009 the Iowa Gold Star Show theme was the Wild, Wild West, in 2010 it was The Roaring Twenties and in 2011 it was The Golden Renaissance. In 2012 the much anticipated theme will be...VIVA CASINO GOLD STAR
There's a good reason why the IOWA GOLD STAR FUTURITY is the fastest growing horse and entertainment event in the history of the Arabian breed. The horses, the stallions, the parties and the fun have made the IOWA GOLD STAR the place to be over Labor Day Weekend.
In 2008 the show announced its first theme party and now, each year exhibitors and horsemen have become more and more entertained by the fun of a costume party at a horse show. Entertainment at the Stallion Service Auction banquet and throughout the show frequently includes live bands, impersonators and lots of surprises and fun (there have been rumored ELVIS sightings!!).
Part of the fun is the nationally publicized IOWA GOLD STAR prize money. The Champion Auction Colt and Filly at the 2011 IOWA GOLD STAR FUTURITY SHOW will each take home in excess of $25,000! The brand new 165' by 265' show ring at the Iowa State Fairgrounds will host the show again in 2012. With the new venue the IOWA GOLD STAR is anticipating a larger English entry to match their already formidable Western and Hunter Pleasure class entries. This year the new main ring will host the IOWA GOLD STAR Reining, and the Arabian English Pleasure Jackpot Challenge will be in its second BIG YEAR!
There's always a Wonderful variety of shops and vendors in the commercial exhibits. Watch for Nymeyer's at Tanglewood, McLaughlins, Whispering Pines, Uncle Bob's Tack and So Vain, among others.
What are you waiting for??
Pick up the phone and make your reservations for Labor Day Weekend at the Des Moines Marriott Hotel. Do it today! Then get ready to pack up the family and head for the IOWA GOLD STAR SHOW.
