by Brett Taft

Freehold, NJ — On Saturday (Sept. 19), the Open Space Pace will be coming back to Freehold Raceway in Freehold, N.J., for its fourth annual event.

The Open Space Pace is a nonprofit organization with a mission to celebrate the horse, New Jersey’s official state animal, and to promote open space in our nation’s most densely populated state, the great state of New Jersey. The Open Space Pace raises funds in support of non-profit organizations that promote open space in New Jersey.

The Open Space Pace begins at 10:30 a.m. with a parade of horses from the Freehold Hall of Records to Freehold Raceway. We are proud to announce that the Grand Marshals for this year’s event are Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Landy.

Mr. Landy founded UMH Properties and Monmouth Real Estate Investment Trust, two New York Stock Exchange listed REITs. Mr. and Mrs. Landy have owned and bred Standardbred race horses for many years. They are proud supporters of the Open Space Pace as well as countless other equine and agricultural nonprofit organizations.

The parade also features the Freehold Township and Freehold Borough High School Marching Bands.

Once at the racetrack, the festival begins with an opening ceremony followed by a wide variety of entertainment including a petting zoo, educational exhibits, live harness racing, vendor tables, food trucks and much more. A concert featuring Burlap to Cashmere and The Nerds will begin at 3 p.m.

The Open Space Pace has entertainment and activities that cater to all ages, so bring the whole family for a day of free, fun-filled excitement.

The Open Space Pace is a perfect event for many different special occasions and gatherings, including corporate parties, family reunions and many other types of social or professional gatherings. The Open Space Pace is an entirely free event thanks to the generosity made possible by its sponsors.

We at the Open Space Pace greatly appreciate our sponsors and continue to seek additional supporters of any kind. The event raises funds from sponsorships, ad journal sales, tailgate space sales and vendor booth sales. If you wish to support the Open Space Pace, or obtain more information, please contact Brett Taft at 732.577.4059 or by e-mail at BTaft@umh.com.

We hope to see you at this great event for the whole family.