| I
would like to go to . . .
|
Photo Album |
|
|
June 14,
2008: NEECA Fun Day |
||
|
The heat and
humidity did not deter people from attending the inaugural event at the
New England Equestrian Center of Athol (NEECA), held at the new arena at the center on Saturday, June
14, 2008.
In fact, it turned out to be a "Fun Day" for everyone, thanks to event
coordinator Caroline Mansfield and the twenty-five NEECA members that
volunteered their time preparing the equestrian center for participants
and visitors. RoseMary Lyman and Monte Roberts managed the NEECA Booth
where they signed on new members, sold NEECA Wear clothing, and held a
raffle of donated items. Bryan Mansfield and Kathy D’Orto made sure
everyone had plenty to eat and drink at the Lions Food Wagon. Pogo Pony
Gifts & Supplies was on hand with equestrian supplies for the horse and
rider. The registration table, managed by Susie Feldman and Helen
Hills, reported twenty-nine registrations for the day, and Jennifer
Arsenault, Athol Animal Control Officer, reported that she collected
over two hundred dollars in “registration fees” along with donated items
for the shelter. |
||
 |
Althea Bramhall, announcer for the day, made sure everyone knew what was happening next. Wendy Warner, guest judge for the day, started the morning classes at 9 a.m. with In-Hand Exhibition, Egg & Spoon, English Exhibition, Water Pistol "Shoot 'em Up," Western Exhibition, and a Breed Exhibition Class. Wendy had her hands full watching out for Maria Bull, who entertained participants and spectators by demonstrating what "not to do" at a real show. Every participant in the class was awarded carrots and sweet treats upon leaving the ring. During the lunch-break, Christina Chubb demonstrated a reining pattern with her quarter horse stallion "Shapin' Dat Starlight." |
|
 At 1 p.m., everyone was invited into the new arena for a ribbon cutting ceremony. Before a large crowd of well wishers, Steve Raymond, Executive Director of the Athol Chamber of Commerce, assisted by Colleen Melanson and her horse "Dutch," cut the ribbon held by Deni Ellis, NEECA Board Member and Lynn Price, Athol Chamber of Commerce Administrative Assistant. Margo Petracone, presented the American Flag riding her horse "Woody". Also attending the ceremony was State Senator Stephen M. Brewer, who presented an Official Congratulatory Citation to NEECA, and State Representative Christopher Donelan who presented a Congratulatory Citation to NEECA from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts House of Representatives. Town dignitaries in attendance included Athol Town Manager David Ames, Orange Town Administrator Rick Kwiatkowski, Athol Select board members Dr. Wayne Miller and Phil King. It was befitting that Mr. Paul W. Whitney and members of his family came by to see the progress at the equestrian center. Paul's father, Rufus Whitney, purchased the land the equestrian center is situated on from the Town of Athol at a tax sale in 1920. Afternoon classes held included a Costume Class, Gaited Horse Exhibition, Pairs Class, Water/Barrel Race, Simon Says, and the popular Versatility Challenge. |
||
Many thanks to local businesses that contributed to the success of the
day: Shepardson’s Garden donated beautiful flower arrangements for the
day, Pogo Pony donated use of a PA system, Hannaford Supermarket donated
a gift card, Padula Brothers donated the use of a tractor and ring
grooming equipment for the day, the Lions Club for the use of their food
wagon, and the Athol Rental Center donated the use of tables.
|
For more information about upcoming NEECA events, and how you can join, please visit www.equinecenter.org, or call (978) 544-9944.
|
|
©Town of Athol 584 Main Street, Athol, MA 01331 www.athol-ma.gov |
||
