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Thursday, July 21, 2016

Open Space Pace set for September 17


On Saturday, September 17, 2016, the Open Space Pace will be coming back to Freehold Raceway in Freehold, New Jersey for its 5th annual Parade and Festival! The Open Space Pace is a nonprofit organization with a mission to celebrate the horse, New Jersey’s official state animal, and to promote open space in our nation’s most densely populated state, the great state of New Jersey. The Open Space Pace raises funds in support of non-profit organizations that promote open space in New Jersey.

The scheduled events for the day will begin at 10:30 AM with a parade of horses from the Monmouth County Hall of Records to Freehold Raceway. We are proud to announce that the Grand Marshal for this year’s event is New Jersey State Senator Jennifer Beck. Senator Beck has continuously supported legislation that would expand casino gaming at racetracks that would increase purses for the horse racing industry resulting in a stronger equine industry and more open space. The parade features the Freehold Township High School and Middletown High School North Marching Bands, antique cars and various equine groups. Once at the racetrack, the festival begins with an opening ceremony followed by a wide variety of entertainment including a petting zoo, educational exhibits, live harness racing, vendor tables, food trucks and much more. Throughout the day, the Open Space Pace will have several college scholarship drawings. Any college student in attendance with a valid student ID will be eligible to enter the drawing for a scholarship. The CentraState Healthcare Foundation will offer health screening and fitness demonstrations on stage throughout the day. A concert featuring The Eddie Testa Band will begin at 1pm followed by Burlap to Cashmere at 4:30pm. The Open Space Pace has entertainment and activities that cater to all ages, so bring the whole family for a day of free, fun-filled excitement!

            The Open Space Pace is a perfect event for many occasions and gatherings, including corporate parties, family reunions and many other types of social or professional gatherings. The Open Space Pace is an entirely free event thanks to the generosity made possible by its sponsors. We at the Open Space Pace greatly appreciate our sponsors and continue to seek additional supporters of any kind. The event raises funds from sponsorships, ad journal sales, tailgate space sales and vendor booth sales. If you wish to support the Open Space Pace, or obtain more information, please contact Brett Taft at 732-577-4059 or by email at BTaft@umh.com

            We hope to see you at the event!