Family Fun at HITS Saugerties to Help Support Family of Woodstock, Inc.
RELEASE: May 15, 2008
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: By Chris Mayone
Family fun is right around the corner when world-class equestrian competition returns to HITS Saugerties for three consecutive weeks beginning on Wednesday, May 28, at the HITS-on-the-Hudson facility in Saugerties, NY.
With the 2008 Summer Olympics right around the corner, spectators have a unique opportunity to preview some of the top athletes in the sport before they head to Hong Kong to compete for the Gold medal. "Last year we had six present and past members of the United States Olympic team compete in Saugerties," said HITS Senior Vice President Tony Hitchcock. "Although, it's too early to tell who will compete this year, we are expecting several Olympians to be in Saugerties this spring."
Show jumping at HITS Saugerties runs Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to approximately 5 p.m. during a horse show week. On Thursdays, some of those competitors will look to earn the lion's share of prize money during the $25,000 Ariat Grand Prix and on Sunday afternoons the stakes are higher as riders and horses vie for up to $50,000 in prize money.
Admission for adults during the week is free and is just $5 on weekends. Children are always admitted free. Once again, all of the proceeds from the gate go directly to Family of Woodstock, Inc., so visitors can feel good that their participation in the horse show is helping a great organization that serves the surrounding community.
Taste of HITS-on-the-Hudson and Purina Mills Kids Day set for JuneThe special events calendar gets nice and tasty when the popular Taste of HITS-on-the-Hudson returns to HITS Saugerties on Saturday, June 7, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. The food-tasting event is a great treat for the food connoisseur as several of the area's finest restaurants invade the show grounds with some of their signature dishes.
Restaurants already signed up to participate include Love Bites Café, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dutch Ale House, Dam Cafe, Le Canard Enchainé, New World Home Cooking, Co., Village Pizza, Cafe Mezzaluna, Partition Street Wine Shop, Town & Country Liquor and Vincent's Restaurant. Space is still available and restaurants who wish to participate should call HITS' Director of Special Events Chris Mayone at (845) 246-8833.
HITS is calling for all the kids on Sunday, June 15, when the Purina Mills Kids Day takes place from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Kids Day is always one of the most popular events at HITS-on-the-Hudson. The afternoon is full of family fun and entertainment. Children will be treated to pony rides, a photo booth, clowns, slides, bouncy house, arts and crafts and loads of fun.
When Kids Day concludes, spectators are encouraged to watch some of the top competitors in the world shoot it out for the top prize in the $50,000 Purina Mills Grand Prix. After the grand prix, kids will have a chance to meet the riders up close and personal during a special grand prix rider autograph session.
The HITS equestrian facility is nestled at the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, just one mile outside the village of Saugerties. The facility offers an on-site food service pavilion, an ice cream parlor featuring an assortment of frozen delights and Starbucks® coffee. The HITS Bar and Grill serves up pizza and cold beer in a spacious air-conditioned lounge. Spectators can grab some lunch and find a grassy spot on the berms while watching some of the world's best show jumping with the entire family right here in the Hudson Valley.
Those interested in the behind the scenes of show jumping can watch the horse show farrier put new shoes on a horse and even tour the stables to see some of the horses and riders up close. And for those who love to shop, HITS does not disappoint. The HITS Saugerties Mall features clothing, tack, fine jewelry, custom footwear, art and photography, and custom HITS souvenirs. For more information on any of the HITS Horse Shows or special events, please call (845