Freehold Raceway, in Freehold, New Jersey, will highlight the role of the harness racing industry in preserving open space on Saturday, September 29, with the Open Space Pace and Festival of Horses.
The day starts with a salute to the New Jersey state animal – the horse – with a parade starting at 9:30 a.m. at the Freehold Hall of Records at 1 East Main Street, aka Route 537, and ending at the track. Parade participants will include standardbreds of all descriptions from the Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization of New Jersey, the Standardbred Retirement Foundation, 4-H members, Boy Scouts and Medieval Times knights.
Action then shifts to the track, at 120 Park Avenue, where admission is free. Racing activities will include a mix of traditional harness racing, along with trotting under saddle competition, amateur races, a celebrity race and performances by Medieval Times. Educational programs, displays, food and family fun will be ongoing throughout the day as well as music from Nick Clemons, Dani Bochner and the Eddie Testa Band.
Sports celebrities will be on hand for photos and autographs and include: Joe Klecko (Jets), Ron Greschner and Nick Fotiu (Rangers), Keith Elias (Giants) and Gerry Cooney (boxing).
The day concludes with a concert by Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes at 4:30. There is no additional charge for the concert, though prime viewing tickets are available in advance for $15 or at the gate for $20. Call 908-839-6564 or visit www.openspacepace.org for more information.
“We have planned something for everyone to help get our message out,” said Sam Landy, president of the Open Space Pace organization. “The Open Space Pace will strive to increase awareness, educate the public and stress the importance of open space in the Garden State.”
Presenting sponsors of the event are UMH Properties Inc. and Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corporation.
This story courtesy of Harness Racing Communications, a division of the U.S. Trotting Association. For more information, visit www.ustrotting.com.