For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Hallie McEvoy - (802) 362-9023, VTHorseShows@aol.com
Photos Available Upon Request

The Vermont Summer Festival Horse Shows Kick Off in East Dorset

East Dorset, VT—July 14, 2004— For the 11th year, the Vermont Summer Festival Horse Shows have returned to the Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT. Located just off Route 7 north of Manchester, equestrians have arrived from all over North America to compete in this prestigious event. The shows run for five weeks, beginning on July 14 and ending on August 15.

The Vermont Summer Festival is New England's largest "AA" rated hunter/jumper horse show circuit. This year's event includes five $35,000 Grand Prix and five $10,000 Mini Prix. Each of the five weeks will also feature a $10,000 Show Jumping Hall Of Fame High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper class, part of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series.

"This is one of the most beautiful horse show sites I have ever seen," stated Donna Clark of Montreal, Canada. "And, the people are so friendly throughout the area. It is such a pleasure to go shopping and have such beautiful lodging nearby." Clark's daughter, Kim Clark Cadieux, is riding in the jumper division at the shows.

"The riders love coming to compete in the Green Mountain State," Marketing Executive Ruth Lacey shared. "The economic impact for local businesses is very significant. We estimate that a minimum of $10 million is infused into the area's economy over the course of the shows."

One of the many reasons both riders and spectators enjoy the Vermont Summer Festival is because of the proximity of the Manchester outlet stores. Additionally, there are many shops and boutiques located right on the event grounds. Families will find a wealth of entertainment at the shows between the food concessions, gift vendors, and exciting show jumping action.

The Orvis Company, a local business and the nation's oldest mail order company, is a Grand Prix Sponsor at the competition. Representatives from the Orvis Company will present prizes totaling $35,000 at a ceremony following the Grand Prix on July 18, between 3PM and 4 PM. The Orvis Company headquarters have been in Manchester, Vermont, since the company was founded in 1856. British and English equine style and culture have always influenced Orvis, so the Vermont Summer Festival was a natural fit for the nation's finest distinctive country lifestyle brand.

Admission to the Vermont Summer Festival is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, and $2 for children. For further information about the Vermont Summer Festival, please call (802) 362-7548 or email ruth@vt-summerfestival.com.

Previous      ###      Next