Last year’s McLaren 60th Anniversary party has morphed into next month’s Niagara 5000, and from a single day into a series of events over August 8 and 9. It all begins with an official opening night party at Peller Estate Winery.
Alana Hurov, the organizer of both last year’s event and the Niagara 5000, promises that the kick-off event on Thursday, August 8 will be the start-studded party of the year.
“We’re still finalizing some details,” says the principal of Hurov Creative Agency. “We have celebrities and high-profile politicians lined up to attend. We’re hoping to arrange helicopter rides to pick up and drop off selected guests. We have live entertainment and a DJ with a live percussionist. This will put Niagara-on-the-Lake on the map for the luxury market as a premium destination.”
The Niagara 5000 showcases the luxury car market, as last year’s 60th anniversary Queen Street party did. Hurov has partnered with McLaren Toronto who have promised to have a few of their high-priced speedsters on-site at Peller. That includes one of their McLaren racing team’s Formula 1 cars.
The Niagara 5000 is basically taking over the entire Peller property for the event, says Hurov.
The genus of the idea for the opening party arose when Hurov met John Peller at a Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce event.
“He always talks about ‘Napa of the North’,” says Hurov. “I told him an event like this would be just that. He was on board right away and that’s when the discussion started.
She’s lined up celebrities such as Fashion Television icon Jeanne Beker, reality show host Sangita Patel, CHFI Radio host Pooja Handa and former MuchMusic VJ Rick Campanelli and now with CHFI Radio, and is working on a few more.
Multiple food stations will be curated by Peller’s chef Jason Parsons and his culinary team, and sommeliers will be on hand to enhance every flavour.
“When people drive in, we’re going to serve them mocktails,” says Hurov. “And after they park their cars we’ll offer to spike their drinks for them. We’ll have horse-and-carriage rides to pick up and drop off guests, and they’ll walk on the orange carpet (McLaren’s official colour) up to the party.”
The drinks will be made with Wayne Gretzky Estates and Peller products, which will also be available at the open bar.
Besides the McLarens, there will be an impressive number of Porsches on site, too. Hurov has partnered with the Porsche True North Enthusiast Club, Canada's largest club devoted to the German-made cars, with around 3,000 members.
Tying in with the Kids Niagara 5000 that will take place the next morning, a generous donor has provided a kids’ electric McLaren, valued at more than $400, to be auctioned off.
Hurov stresses, as well, that a portion of the proceeds from the official opening party will be donated to Cassie and Friends, the national charity that raises funds for research, education, connection and support for children living with juvenile arthritis.
“So much attention to detail, a party like you’ve never seen before in this region,” she promises. “I like to describe it as like the coolest movie you’ve ever seen with an awesome party. This is a showcase, the party of the year. This will turn us into the Napa of the North.”
Hurov is hoping that the Niagara 5000 party becomes an annual event.
Tickets for the opening night party are $275 and going fast. They are available at this link.
