August, 30th 2012 – Entries and stall reservations for the 5th annual Aiken Fall Festival horse show close today and with the event being only a week away, preparations are in full swing. The show series is a USEF “A” rated event and will take place in historic Aiken, SC at Highfields Event Center September 6th-9th and 13th-16th. The two-week series is managed by J. P. Godard and his Equus Events, Inc. The highly popular show has become a staple on the fall hunter/jumper calendar. Combined with Aiken’s famous horse community and its eclectic shops and restaurants, it is no wonder why it is has become a favorite stop for many of the top riders and horses in the southeast.
Feature events include a $15,000 Open Jumper Classic each week, The Willcox $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby Friday evening September 7th, and the prestigious South Carolina Hunter Jumper Association Governor’s Cup Medal Finals taking place Sunday morning September 9th. Other features include:
- -$5,000 Open Welcome Stake each week
- -$2,500 NAL/WIHS Children’s Adult Jumper Classic each week
- -$2,500 Junior Amateur Owner Jumper Classic each week
- -$500 Pony Classic each week
- -NAL/WIHS Children’s and Adult Hunter Classics each week
The Stables Restaurant at Rose Hill will again be sponsoring the official Aiken Fall Festival Welcome Party Thursday evening September 6th from 7-9 on their patio. Along with dinner and drinks, live music will be provided by favorite local artist Gavin Reily. Please make plans to attend!
New this year will be the Celebrity Ride and Drive Challenge Class along with “Bridles and Birdies” under the VIP tent to benefit the First Tee of Aiken on Friday September 14th. Equus Events is extremely excited to team up with such an incredible program as the First Tee bringing together two of Aiken’s passion’s golf and horses. Local Aiken celebrities and riders will compete in jumping and golf challenges that will be combined into a team relay event. Tickets to the event are $30 per person or $60 per couple and include dinner, entertainment, and other fun activities under the VIP tent. “We are really excited to be a part of this event,” said Megan Godard of Equus Events. “We are really hoping to bring the horse community and the golf community together and bring more awareness for the First Tee program as well as equestrian events in our community.” Cocktail hour sponsored by Equus Events will begin at 5 pm with the relay class starting at 6pm. Dinner and live entertainment will follow. Tickets for Bridles and Birdies are going fast so please contact Equus Events at 803-643-5698 or The First Tee of Aiken at 803-226-0053 for more information.
Danny and Ron’s Rescue of Camden, SC will also be teaming up with the Aiken Fall Festival for a benefit dinner during the $15,000 Open Jumper Classic Saturday September, 15th. Solo Show Stables and Harold and Jennifer Chopping along with Show Day Café will be graciously sponsoring the event which will include many raffle items up for grabs to benefit the rescue. All donations are tax deductible. If you are interested in contributing any items to the raffle, please contact Megan Godard at 803-295-2094 or megan@equusevents.com.
Make sure to check the Aiken Fall Festival social schedule for a complete schedule of special events and parties during the show!
Equus Events would like to recognize some of its 2012 corporate and Gold Aiken Fall Festival sponsors: Dietrich and Company Equine Insurance, Fenwick Equestrian, The Mark Lexton Collection, One K Helmets, Equi-fit Inc., The Barn Book, Equestrian Connect, DFG Stables, Oak Manor Saddlery, Gamboa Veterinary Services, Solo Show Stables, Finally Farm, Holly Carter Designs, The Willcox, The Stables Restaurant at Rose Hill, Equi In Style, Liz Tarumianz, Booth Parker, Allison Mills, Laura Regan, and Integrity Linens. The support of these gracious sponsors along with many others is greatly appreciated!
For more information or a complete schedule of events, please visit www.equusevents.com or call 803-643-5698.