Charity horse show, fair returns starts next week
By Sophie Pappas
Running from Aug. 5 to Aug. 10, the Traders Point Charity Horse Show and Country Fair at Wild Air Farms will be bigger than ever this year, according to event organizer and spokeswoman, Janelle Morrison.
“You don’t have to be a rider or have ever been a rider to appreciate the athleticism of this event,” Morrison said.
This athleticism is, according to Morrison, of “Olympic quality.”
“This is the best of the best,” Morrison said. “But you can be any age, any level of experience… and enjoy the show.”
Established by Elizabeth “Liz” Johnson, an acclaimed equestrian and Zionsville resident, the charity horse show benefits Riley Hospital for Children, a cause that is near and dear to Johnson’s heart.
“Over the course of the years, with her son Johnny Johnson, they have continued to grow the show itself…they keep expanding in ways that are nationally recognized,” Morrison said. “Mrs. Johnson is the epitome of grace and service to her community and she wants to make sure that her land is preserved and benefits the community in a meaningful way. She is always thoughtful to how she can help the local community of Zionsville…but she also has a global vision of helping the doctors and researchers at Riley.”
Just this year, the Traders Point Hunt Show was named as the third greatest show in the country.
“We just received the certificate. The news came from Lexington, Kentucky, from the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame. And it is a high honor for Mrs. Johnson for this event to be named as such.”
Here’s what you need to know for the five-days of fun.
Costs
Gate admission Tuesday through Saturday is $10, on Sunday it is $15.
Kids age 12 or younger are free.
Parking is free.
Location
Wild Air Farms, just off of Hunt Road in Zionsville
Schedule
Aug. 5– Opening Day
8 a.m. Horse exhibiting begins in most rings and the country fair opens
Aug. 6- Exhibitors’ Day
8 a.m. Horse exhibiting begins in most rings
11 a.m. $3,000 Open Jumper Class begins
11:30 a.m. Exhibitors’ luncheon begins, catered by Stone Creek Dining Co.
Aug. 7– Riley Day
8 a.m. Horse exhibiting begins in most rings
6 p.m. Taste for a Cure begins
Aug. 8– Seniors Day
8 a.m. Horse exhibiting begins in all rings
12 p.m. Paws to Applause Dog Show begins
5 p.m. The Mart and Russell Fortune, Jr. Memorial $35,000 Grand Prix show begins, sponsored by Penny and Jock Fortune.
Aug. 9– Kid’s Day
8 a.m. Horse exhibiting begins in all rings
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Children’s activities including pony rides, bounce houses, obstacle courses, face painting, and more inside the kid’s tent.
Aug. 10. Grand Prix Sunday
Indiana Governor Mike Pence will be in attendance on Sunday.
8 a.m. $5,000 Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic begins
11:30 a.m. Corporate sponsors buffet luncheon courtesy of Stone Creek Dining Co.
1:15 p.m. Traders Point Hunt Charity Horse Show Lead Line Class
1:30 p.m. Parade of Champions inside the Grand Prix ring
2 p.m. 37th Annual $75,000 Grand Prix awarded
Paws to Applause Dog Show
Classes: Best Look Alike Dog and Owner, Best Dog Trick, Best Dog in Costume, Best Dog in Conformation
Awards: First Place trophy, Ribbon for the runner up
Eligibility: Only dogs older than six months may participate. Proper immunization of all animals is required. Entries are limited to horse show exhibitors, horse show patrons, volunteers and Traders Point Hunt Club members.
Entries will be accepted at the horse show office until 5 p.m., Aug. 7. For more information, contact Wendy Brant at [email protected].
Taste for a Cure
Riley Hospital for Children will be hosting their 2nd annual Taste for A Cure event at Wild Air Farms on Aug. 7. Proceeds will benefit the diabetes and heart research at Riley Hospital for Children. The event is in conjunction with the 37th annual Trader’s Point Hunt Charity Horse Show.
Guests can enjoy tastings from local restaurants, Weber Grill, Cobblestone Grill, Sweet N’ Savory, Eddie Merlots, Dominos, Stone Creek, Granite City and Patrick’s Kitchen. Beer, wine and cocktail tastings will be provided by Sun King Brewery, Rettig Hill Winery and Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka.
The event will run from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and the tickets are $50 per person. Attendees must be 21or older to attend. The band Henle and Loops will provide musical entertainment.
For more information visit www.facebook.com/TasteForACure.
Current in Zionsville would like to make the following correction: While Janelle Morrison is the media spokeswoman for the charity horse show, she is not the event planner. The Executive Director for the show is Debra Jaramillo. Also, the Lt. Governor, not the Governor, will be in attendance on Sunday at the horse show.
