Community Corner

Open Space Pace Festival Comes to Freehold

Festival will be held in Main Street Freehold and Freehold Raceway all day on Saturday, Sept. 29.

The first ever all-day racing, family fun, and educational event is coming to Freehold later this month.

Open Space Pace and Festival of Horses will be an all day event on Saturday, Sept. 29 dedicated to the preservation of open space in New Jersey and support for the state animal, the horse. The event features a “Parade of Horses” down Main Street in Freehold Borough at 9:30 a.m. and a full day of activities at Freehold Raceway beginning at 11 a.m.

“We have planned something for everyone to help get our message out,” said Sam Landy, President of the organization. “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.”

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The Open Space Pace was organized by a group of caring and concerned individuals who are taking the initiative to increase awareness of the standard-bred horse and harness racing industry, to impact the protection and expansion of precious open space in our county and statewide.

The event will also include educational programs, displays, food, and family fun. Racing activities will include amateur group harness racing, a celebrity race, under saddle racing, performances by Medieval Times, and the featured Open Space Pace Race. Music will also be performed throughout the day by Nick Clemons, Dani Bochner, and the Eddie Testa Band.

Find out what's happening in Freeholdwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In addition, there will be sports celebrities like Joe Klecko, Ron Greschner, Nick Fotiu, Gerry Cooney and Keith Elias who will all be available for autographs and photos.

The event day will conclude with the outdoor concert performed by Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes at 4:30 p.m. Prime viewing tickets are available in advance for $15, visit OpenSpacePace.org or call (908) 839-6564; or at the gate for $20 while they last.

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.

More information about the Open Space Pace organization and event is available at www.OpenSpacePace.org.


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