The third annual Open Space Pace Parade and Festival will take place on Sept. 20.
The Open Space Pace is a nonprofit organization with a goal to raise awareness about the relationship between horse farms, horse racing and the preservation of open space through its annual parade and festival. The free all-day event begins at 10 a.m. with a parade of horses proceeding from the Hall of Records in Freehold Borough down Main Street to Freehold Raceway.
The Open Space Pace parade grand marshal is Dr. Karyn Malinowski, director of The Rutgers Equine Science Center. The parade also features the Freehold High School Marching Band, The Wells Fargo Stagecoach and over 70 New Jersey horses and riders from various equine organizations. Spectators are welcome to follow the parade to the racetrack where the State Agricultural Fair will begin.
Once at the track, there will be an opening ceremony at 11 a.m. Following the opening ceremony there will be equine and agricultural displays, a petting zoo, a mare and foal exhibit, food trucks, and a blacksmiths’ contest. The horse races begin at 12:35 p.m. The day will end with a 5:15 p.m. concert opened by The Eddie Testa Band followed by the headline act, The Nerds. Fireworks will close out the festivities at 8 p.m.
The Open Space Pace has donated over $28,000 to equine and agricultural nonprofits and serves as an annual fundraising event for equine and agricultural organizations that support it.
The Open Space Pace Parade and Festival is a free event made possible by its sponsors. The event raises funds from sponsorships, ad journal sales, tailgate space sales and vendor booth sales. To support the Open Space Pace or obtain more information, contact Brett Taft at 732-577-4059.

