A newly formed advocacy group is proud to announce an exciting and important new event in Monmouth County that is dedicated to an extremely worthwhile cause — the preservation of open space in New Jersey
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The Open Space Pace all-day racing event will be held on September 29, 2012, at Freehold Raceway, on Rte. 9 in Freehold, NJ, and will be free to the public. It will include a 'Parade of Horses' down Main Street (Rte. 537) in Freehold Boro starting at 10:30 a.m., leading up to the start of a full day of activities at the racetrack, beginning at 11:30 a.m.
“We are very excited about the inaugural Open Space Pace event,” announced Sam Landy, president of the organization which includes community activists supported by numerous statewide advocates. “It is an honour to take on this important mission which includes highlighting the relationship between the horse — New Jersey’s state animal — and the preservation of open space in our state.
“The Open Space Pace has been organized by a group of caring individuals who are taking the initiative to increase awareness of the standardbred horse and Harness Racing industry to impact the protection and expansion of precious open space in our county and statewide.”
Events and activities planned for the first Open Space Pace event include the downtown Parade of Horses, leading to an opening ceremony at Freehold Raceway, followed by amateur group harness racing, a celebrity race, undersaddle racing, and the featured Open Space Pace race. The event will include educational programs, displays and participation by numerous area nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups. There will be sports celebrities available for autographs and photos, and many activities for families and children of all ages. The day’s events will conclude with an outdoor concert performed by a nationally recognized band from Monmouth County.
“We have planned something for everyone to help get our message out,” continues Landy. “The Open Space Pace will strive to increase awareness, educate the public and stress the importance of open space in the Garden State. We believe this exciting and fun event will support our mission and continue to grow from year to year!”
All proceeds from the Open Space Pace will benefit non-profit organizations involved in the equine industry and the preservation of open space. Presenting sponsors of the event are UMH Properties, Inc. and Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corporation.
(Open Space Pace)