In recognition of Glidemaster's achievements, including winning the 2006 Hambletonian before a crowd of nearly 30,000 at the Meadowlands, driver John Campbell, trainer Blair Burgess and the horse's owners, Karin Olsson-Burgess, Robert Burgess, Marsha Cohen and Brittany Farms have been named grand marshals of the fifth annual Hambletonian Parade, which will take place on Saturday, July 28, in Rutheford, N.J. They will escort the Hambletonian trophy in their carriage as it makes its way down the mile parade route.
Beginning at 10 a.m., an unparalleled number of equine units, marching bands and vintage cars will lead the way to Rutherford’s Lincoln Park, where there will be food vendors, live music and free children’s entertainment, including pony rides, clowns and games. Harness racing’s leading drivers and trainers will greet fans and sign autographs. And Hambo Tony, the Hambletonian mascot, will hand out treats to children and pose for photos.
Among this year’s parade dignitaries is the newly crowned Miss New Jersey, Amy Polumbo of Howell. New equine participants this year include the adorable members of the Keystone Miniature Horse Club. Returning favorites include the Zembo Mounted Shriners, Hitch A Stride Drill Team, Passaic High School Marching Band and the Lesbian and Gay Alliance Big Apple Corps, one of the nation’s premier marching bands. The parade is the first major event of the Hambletonian Festival at the Meadowlands, a week of stakes races and special events, culminating in Hambletonian Day on Saturday, Aug. 4. Harness racing’s most prestigious event, the Hambletonian dates back to 1926 and has a long tradition of being part of the fairs and festivals of its host communities. The Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford has been the home of the Hambletonian since 1981. Visiting racing fans, horsemen and media are encouraged to shop and dine in the gourmet restaurants and bustling downtown shops of Rutherford, which has hosted the Hambletonian Parade since the inaugural event in 2003. Each year, the 2.3 square mile borough, which is home to 18,000 residents, has supported the Hambletonian Festival through programs such as art contestant displays and giveaways. A few hours after the last unit passes the reviewing stand on July 28, the action moves to the Meadowlands Racetrack for a twilight racing program that begins at 5 p.m. and includes elimination races for the Hambletonian and the Hambletonian Oaks, the sport’s most prestigious events for 3-year-old trotters. The night’s festivities also include a messenger bag giveaway (while supplies last), rock concert by Queen V and rides in Paddock Park. (Meadowlands)
|
Home :: News Archive :: Racing Reports :: Sale Reports :: Calendars :: Guide Directory :: Contact The Staff
Advertising Rates & Information For: Horseman And Fair World Magazine :: HarnessRacing.com :: Harness Racing Weekend Preview
Website Design by eLink Design, Inc. A Lexington Web Design Company :: Hosted by Intelliwire, LLC, An Offsite Backup Company
Site contents may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher.
© 2012 Horseman Publishing Co., Lexington KY, All Rights Reserved
Advertising Rates & Information For: Horseman And Fair World Magazine :: HarnessRacing.com :: Harness Racing Weekend Preview
Website Design by eLink Design, Inc. A Lexington Web Design Company :: Hosted by Intelliwire, LLC, An Offsite Backup Company
Site contents may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher.
© 2012 Horseman Publishing Co., Lexington KY, All Rights Reserved