2003 Hampton Classic Horse Show Offers Wide Variety of Special Events

Bridgehampton, NY—August 27, 2003—The 28th annual Hampton Classic Horse Show features numerous special events for all members of the community.

After opening in spectacular style on Sunday, August 24, with Manhattan Mortgage Company’s Opening Day, presented by Distinction Magazine, the horse show grounds in Bridgehampton, New York, are alive with activity. The Hampton Classic is gearing up for a fun-filled week with features the whole family is sure to enjoy.

Thursday, August 28 is Seniors Day, Presented by 50 Plus Senior News. Senior Citizens 60 years of age or older will be admitted free and can enjoy a number of special activities presented just for the horse show’s senior visitors, including health awareness programs. The day wraps up with the popular “Evening of Shopping” in the Boutique Garden from 5 to 7 p.m.

The third annual Fiesta Day, Presented by Hoy, gets underway on Friday, August 29, and is a one-day event intended as a tribute to the Greater New York Hispanic and Latino community. Over thirty diplomats representing Latin America will be present at the Hampton Classic Horse Show in addition to numerous Hispanic civic leaders. One Hispanic individual who has contributed to the horse industry in the United States will also be honored with the 2003 Outstanding Hispanic Horseman Award.

A variety of entertainers will perform including Apryl Cadabra, the children’s ballet Mexico Lindo, and the Traveling Hispanic Theater. Latin Music sensations Felix Andino, Raices Del Viento, Pepe Castillo and the Caribbean Tropical Trio, Punto Y Coma, and Willie Santana will all showcase their unique musical abilities. In addition, traditional cuisine from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Colombia and Cuba can be sampled.

Shopping will also be featured in the new Mercado at the Classic with Latino-owned vendor booths offering arts, crafts, fashion, and other items for sale. For those who miss Fiesta Day, the Mercado will be open Thursday through Sunday.

Saturday, August 30, brings the Hampton Classic’s Eighth Annual Cablevision’s Kids Day. Youngsters can spend time at the World of the Horse™ Exhibition Tent and Show Yard area right behind the main Grandstands. Exhibits include ‘Llamaland’ (with goats and alpacas, too), Millstone Farm's Miniature Horses, several unusual breeds of horses, and the Kids-Teaching-Kids Pony Care Program. Children can enjoy a pony ride while the Double-Bar-D petting zoo will also be on hand to introduce kids to the formerly abandoned creatures that they have lovingly rescued.

The National Circus Project will also entertain with face painting, balloon sculpting, plate spinning, juggling, stilt walkers, and Alcazar the Magician. Many other special features are planned, making Cablevision’s Kids Day one day the family will not want to miss!

The Hampton Classic Horse Show culminates in ‘Super Sunday’ on August 31. Amid the flurry of social action, the $150,000 Prudential Financial Grand Prix takes center stage at 2 p.m. in the grand prix ring. The United States Equestrian Team, recent winners of the gold medal at the 2003 Pan American Games, will be recognized in a special ceremony before the show jumping action gets underway.

Each year the Hampton Classic Horse Show attracts more than 50,000 spectators and celebrities to watch the country’s best horses and riders compete. There simply is no other competition that brings together the thrill and prestige of the hunter-jumper horse show circuit with so many thousands of spectators, extravagant social events and celebrities, all surrounded by the beaches and elegant villages of Long Island’s summer playground — The Hamptons.

Six show rings, plus vendors, restaurants, and the children’s area are operating throughout the week. Admission is $5 per person or $15 per carload, with children under 6 admitted free. Reserved grandstand seating for Grand Prix Sunday, August 31, is $15 per person (in addition to $5/person or $15/carload admission) or $25 per person in the special Premium Seating center sections. Parking is free throughout the show week.

www.hamptonclassic.com

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