from Harness Racing Communications, a division of the USTA

Freehold, NJ — Eight Standardbred horse farms and training centers throughout Maine will open their doors to visitors on Sunday, October 19.

The third annual “Open Farm” day will run from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. at the farms listed below. There are nearly 500 Standardbred horses born in Maine each year; last year there were almost 2,500 races conducted at two racetracks and 10 fairs.

Visitors of all ages are welcome at the event. Everyone will have the chance to pet a horse and learn more about how they are raised, prepared for racing and the careers open to horses when their racing days are over.

In addition, most locations will host bluegrass bands, playing two sets throughout the afternoon.

The location of the Open Farm events are:

Northern Maine Fairgrounds
Presque Isle
Norman Trask
207-764-4193
Borderline Bluegrass Band will perform

North Star Standardbreds
Richard and Linda Hartley
84 North Road
Newburgh
207-234-4085
Misty Mountaineers will perform

Farmington Fair Grounds
High Street
Farmington
Rick Cushing
207-778-3430
Jewell Clark and Don Katlin will perform

Norton Farm
613 Blackstrap Road
Falmouth
Michael Graffam
207-797-7577

Lindon Farm
233 Bonny Eagle Rd.
Hollis
Don and Linda Marean
207-727-5527
Kip Hemmingway and Crooked River Bluegrass

Cranberry Meadow Farm
David and Sandy Hall
296 Cranberry Meadow Rd.
Berwick
207-457-5268
Winnie the Horse mascot will visit

Nehila Racing Stables
Tim and Sarah Nehila
97 Holmes Road
Scarborough
207-518-0396
Muddy Marsh Ramblers will perform