Barbie takeover at Spruce Meadows draws thousands in pink

Spruce Meadows transformed into a sea of pink on Saturday as thousands arrived for a Barbie x Spruce Meadows weekend featuring the Think Pink Roller Rink, Dad and Daughter Hair Workshop, and Barbie Box photo booths.

One attendee, Rushania Kinzagulova, went all-out in head-to-toe pink, including baby pink sneakers, glasses, and feathered rosettes, pieces she'd been collecting for years. "I love it," she said. "I think it's a good idea to make a theme, so we have more fun and opportunities to dress up, express ourselves, our creativity and our fashion."

Judges scouted the grounds for the Best Dressed in Pink contest, with $20,000 in cash prizes handed out throughout the weekend. Around 10,000 Barbie x Spruce Meadows branded bandanas were also given out.

Sarah Ftichar, Spruce Meadows chief of staff, said the partnership made natural sense. "The equestrian sport of show jumping is one of the only sports across the board where men and women compete equally, so it's really unique," she said. "We're also a women-led organization, and women-founded, so I think that bringing Barbie into the mix is really natural choice."

Ftichar noted that following a successful Marvel partnership last year, the Barbie opportunity presented itself naturally. "Every generation has a Barbie connection, and that's really fun," she said.

The weekend also featured the ChangemakeHER Forum, bringing together leaders and speakers focused on women's empowerment and community impact.