8 Reasons to Take Your Kids to the New Albany Classic

I used to think the New Albany Classic was a horse race. I honestly never gave it much thought or considered going. But now, I honestly can’t wait to go! I was recently invited to spend the morning with a group of bloggers at Abigail Wexner’s horse barn learning about the mission of The Center for Family Safety and Healing from its president Karen Days and hearing the heart of Abigail Wexner as she explained the history and mission of the New Albany Classic.

Not only is the NAC a good cause, it’s much more than a horse race! In fact, it’s not even a race, it’s a jumping event! Well, you learn something new every day! 😉 If there’s a chance you, like me, didn’t think this was something to take the kids to, I’m here to convince you otherwise! Taking place on Sunday, September 25, 2016, the NAC is really a Family Day and here are 8 reasons why you should take your kids!

1. Concert at the Classic presented by Justice

Kelsea Ballerini, a 22-year-old country pop singer headlines the concert which takes place at 10:30 AM. Maybe you’re an old mom like me and you’ve never heard of Kelsea Ballerini, but check with the teens and tweens because she has 127K followers on Twitter and recently performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live! The concert is included in your ticket price, which automatically makes it a pretty amazing deal! (Look guys, I took a few minutes to scout out tickets to Kelsea Ballerini’s concerts and the cheapest tickets I found were $31. Tickets to the NAC are less than that, and you’re going to get a lot more in addition! Read on!) Past performers have included The Jonas Brothers, Ariana Grande and Jordin Sparks, just to name a few! The opening act(s) are still to be named, so stay tuned!

2. Carnival Rides

The Wexners really want this to be a day of magic for families. The feel of the day will be that of a classic county fair. Contributing to that will be carnival rides and games that are all included in the price of the ticket! No wristbands or tickets needed!

3. Invitational Grand Prix

The main event is the Invitational Grand Prix which has been named by the North American Rider’s Group as the #1 Specialty Equestrian Event for four years in a row! What’s really exciting about this year’s event is that it will be taking place shortly after the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio! Three out of the four members of this year’s US Olympic Show Jumping team have previously won the New Albany Classic! Keep an eye out for McClain Ward, Beezie Madden and Kent Farrington as you watch the Olympics this year! These three riders will also be competing in the NAC in September! It will make attending the Classic and seeing these riders in person even more special for your kids! If your kids catch the equestrian bug, make sure to visit Equus Now! at the event. They gave us bloggers a rundown on the meaning behind why equestrians wear what they do and how fashion and usage has changed for riders over time. Here’s me trying to look like an equestrian:

4. Real Movie Props

One of the most magical parts of the day for kids (and adults too, let’s be honest) will be the chance to see go behind the scenes of Hollywood magic! You will be able to see real movie props up close and personal. There will be the actual dinosaurs used in the movie Jurassic Park! You can hold Katniss’s bow from The Hunger Games, ride Harry Potter’s broom, take your picture next to the Batman suit worn by George Clooney and more!

5. Animals and Petting Zoo

Not only will there be horses, but there will be a petting zoo on site as well as representation from several local animal-related organizations like Canine Companions, The Capital Area Humane Society, Columbus Zoo and several local farms. Be on the look out for llamas, zebras and more!

6. So Many Activities for Kids

We’re talking face painting, roaming storybook characters, inflatables, a high ropes truck, a pumpkin patch and carnival games! There will be an ice rink, zip lining, polo and fencing! Your local sports favorites like the Columbus Crew, the Columbus Clippers and the OSU Equine Program will be on site to provide more fun! If you’re more inclined towards the arts look for the Columbus Children’s Theater stage, Ballet Met Columbus, or help make a mural with the Greater Columbus Arts Council and Sunny 95! I don’t think it will be possible for a child to be bored at this event!

7. Food Trucks

There will be a wide range of food options, from the food you traditionally think of at fairs and carnivals, to healthier food options, all available for purchase at food trucks like Mikey’s Late Night Slice, Graeters, En Place, Dan’s Deli and more!

8. The Center for Family Safety and Healing

I’ve saved the most important reason for last. Horse jumping may be the main event, but the heart and soul of the New Albany Classic is its mission to support The Center for Family Safety and Healing. What you need to know is that 100% of the proceeds of this day go to the The Center for Family Safety and Healing. Since it’s start in 1988, the Classic has raised over $27 million dollars for The Center! TCFSH provides counseling services, medical services, prenatal and early intervention services, and community training programs to address all aspects of family violence. Whether it is child abuse and neglect, teen dating abuse, domestic violence or elder abuse, the Center is working to provide support, counseling and treatment to break the cycle of violence in families.

When you attend the Classic, you can know that, not only will your family have an amazing day, but you are helping to support families in our own community who are in desperate need of the services The Center for Family Safety and Healing so diligently provides!

Know Before You Go:

Event takes place on Sunday, September 25, 2016

Ages 10 and up are $24 each, Children ages 3-10 are $7.50 and those under 3 are free!

Tickets for the New Albany Classic are available through Ticketmaster (1-800-745-3000), at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Kroger stores, and the CAPA Ticket Center. You can get them WITHOUT fees at Equus Now! (cash or check only), the Easton Guest Services kiosk (credit card only), and The Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany (credit card only).

Tickets are NOT available at the gate! Parking is free! The event will go on, rain or shine!

Address:
Wexner Home
4584 Reynoldsburg-New Albany Rd.
New Albany, OH 43054

Event Schedule:
10:00 AM – Gates Open
10:30 AM – Concert at The Classic presented by Justice, an ascena retail company
2:00 PM – 19th Annual New Albany Classic Grand Prix Welcoming Ceremony – John G. McCoy Show Field
4:30 PM – Award Presentation, Parade of Champions, Presentation of Authentic Cup and Winner Check – John G. McCoy Show Field
5:00 PM – Event Concludes

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ICYMI: 5 Things to do with Your Kids this Summer in Columbus PART 3