Open Space Pace Returns This Weekend

Horsing around will take on new meaning in the downtown Freehold area this weekend when the Second Annual Open Space Pace & Festival of Horses comes to town on Saturday.

Following on the success of last year’s event that drew more than 3000 people to the area, this year promises to be bigger and better stretching all the way from downtown to the Freehold Raceway for a full day of fun and entertainment.

The fun starts at 10 a.m. with a parade down Main Street led by riders from Medieval Times. Part of the parade will include a performance by the Freehold Township High School Marching Band with people from local equine and agricultural groups taking part in the march.

Freeholder Lillian Burry will be the Grand Marshall of the parade as recognition for her work as the creator of the county’s Save the Horse Committee. She is also a member of the Planning Committee for the Open Space Pace. A reviewing stand will also be constructed along the parade route that will include Nancy Grbelja, mayor of nearby Millstone Township and also a noted horsewoman.

Once the festivities arrive at the track the day will include celebrity races, harness racing, pageantry, vendors and much more including activities for children. One of the celebrities in attendance will be Hervé Filion, a member of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame. Among his peers and the racing community he is known as the “Babe Ruth of Harnes Racing.”

The day will conclude with performances by the Eddie Testa Band and Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes as well as a fireworks show.

Sam Landy, President of the Open Space Pace and owner of the Congress Hill Farm in Monroe said he is excited to bring the community together again for this event. “Horse racing preserves open space and anything that’s good for horse racing is good for open space and New Jersey.”

Landy said the event could provide a big boost to the local economy in the future as well. “As this event grows, it will fill hotels, restaurants and local businesses. It creates excitement and draws new people. The racers enjoy new spectators cheering them on. We want to expose everyone to Standardbred horses and racing and attract new fans.”

Last year’s event raised $14,000 for horse and farming non-profits and also helped educate the community about the value of horses and horse racing. This year the event is scheduled to include the Monmouth County Freeholders, the Park System and Office of Public Information and Tourism. Representatives the Rutgers University Extension Service, the 4-H, local Boy and Girl Scouts and other organizations are also scheduled to attend.

Tickets for premium viewing of the concert are $35 and are available here.