Great music and fun are traditions of the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame’s annual Holiday Concert. Celebrating its 43rd year, this community event kicks off the festive season.
Although much has changed in the world since that first concert in 1974, the charm of sleigh bells and the warmth of gathered neighbors continue to ‘make the season bright.’ Mark your calendar for Thursday, December 7 at 7:00 p.m. and don’t miss out.
Performing again this year in the Museum’s William R. Haughton Memorial Hall is the Evergreen Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International based in Poughkeepsie. Singing in four-part harmony, this award-winning a cappella group, judged the third best Sweet Adelines small chorus in the world, based on their performance at the Harmony Classic Division ‘A’ level competition at the Las Vegas MGM Grand in October, will entertain listeners with a selection of holiday favourites.
Goshen High School’s Varsity Choir and Jazz Voices Ensemble will return for its 18th appearance on this special occasion. The evening will end with the concert’s traditional audience participation number, ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas.’
This year’s concert will feature preconcert entertainment by 18-year-old gifted cellist Alex Prizgintas in Haughton Hall.
Arrive early to enjoy our holiday tree trimmed with horsey ornaments, tour the museum with its festive halls and stalls, and check out the new exhibits that have been installed since last year’s concert. Don’t forget to visit the museum’s Winner’s Circle Gift Shop for a little holiday shopping, too. Concert goers and shoppers will enjoy a 10 per cent discount prior to the show. Sponsors for the annual event are Robert Boni of Northwood Bloodstock in memory of John A. Cashman Jr., and Edie Haughney of Amerprise Financial Services, providing a holiday dessert table for the enjoyment of all.
Concert admission is $3 per person, and is waived for museum members. Non-members who bring a new unwrapped toy for the Marines’ ‘Toys for Tots’ program receive a $1 admission discount. As seating is limited we recommend making reservations as soon as possible.
The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program distributes toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community. If you are unable to attend the concert, we invite you to drop off a new unwrapped toy in the museum’s main lobby from now until Tuesday, December 12 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. Help make a child happy this holiday season!
If you have not booked your holiday party, there are a few dates still available. Call Gigi Ryan for details about this unique setting for all your special occasions at 845-294-6330.
The museum, which is supported in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, as well as the United States Trotting Association, is currently offering free admission for walk-in visitors and $4/person for group docent-guided tours. For information on all the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame special events, education programs or gift shop services, please call 845-294-6330 or visit harnessmuseum.com. The museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame)