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The Palm Event

from The Jewel - 2023

from The Jewel - 2023, page 42

“Evening of Gratitude”

One weekend every March, a dazzling array of luxury cars from around the world roars into Palm Beach for the annual Palm Event. A car enthusiast’s dream come true, the Palm Event spans three days and culminates on Sunday with a historical display of more than 100 world-class vintage sporting cars from the 1920s through the 1980s on the Mar-a-Lago lawn surrounding the pool.

The eighth annual Palm Event, held in 2022, was no exception. The cast of automotive standouts included everything from Formula One racing cars to vintage Ferraris to fun cars like the Trans Am from Smokey and the Bandit. In addition to gaining unprecedented access to world-class automobiles, attendees of the Palm are treated to exceptional cuisine, wine, and fashion. This isn’t merely a car show; it’s the celebration of a lifestyle.

To impart excitement and steer away from conventional methods, event producers Scott Shrader and Tara Meredith decided not to group by classes when showing the cars. Instead of seeing Jaguar after

Jaguar in one row, the Palm’s artistic display positions brand-new cars immediately next to the older vintage cars.

“The idea is that people get to enjoy all of the cars, not just the old or new,” says Tara. “For example, a father and son could enjoy both old and new and share their passions if they happen to be from different eras.”

An impressive racecar topiary was parked beside the pool, where two mermaids lounged in the crystal waters. Models walked the red carpet runway that encircled the pool, and guests were invited to visit the cigar lounge by Vallorani Cigars and see select Bvlgari jewelry pieces on display. With five-star food and fine wine and cocktails plentiful, the end result was America’s Ultimate Garden Party.

Notable attendees included Palm Beach elite Jackie Siegel, Vanilla Ice, and former President Donald Trump, who took home an award for his Mercedes McLaren. But this day wasn’t about recognition. All proceeds from the Palm Event benefit The Place of Hope, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a safe, stable, and loving environment for children and families in need.

Top left: The poolside fashion show included gifted designers Odalys Marino and Marina St. Barth. Top right: The vehicles assembled spanned multiple decades, styles, and continents of origin to provide every attendee with an experience that transcends generations. Middle left: The Palm Event celebrates the Palm Beach lifestyle by bringing together cars, couture, and epicurean delights in one invigorating day. Middle right: Swan sculptures from Gallery Biba and a live mermaid added to the event’s dynamic pool backdrop. Right: Guests celebrated the engagement of event producers Scott Shrader and Tara Meredith after the unveiling of his 1988 Lamborghini Countach.