Hobby Horse Derby Event to Benefit Jana Marie Foundation

Photo by Eponi / www.eponi.fi CC BY 2.0

Jana Marie Foundation will host its first Hobby Horse Derby from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 26, at Calvary Harvest Fields in Boalsburg.

The evening will feature hobby horse racing, food and fun for all ages of jockeys and spectators alike. An art sale will be held on the grounds as the hobby horse races take place.

“We are celebrating the families, friends, and community spirit that makes the Centre Region so special,” Marisa Vicere, founder and president of Jana Marie Foundation, said in a news release.

A make-your-own hobby horse pre-event will be available while supplies last, and hobby horse racers can look forward to barrel racing, freestyle dressage, jumping/obstacle racing and “most unique gallop” contests, and silly fun for individuals or a whole group.

Festive attire encouraged — put on your best fancy hat and arrive dressed for a party — and an award will be given for best costume.

Local musician Jim Colbert will provide relaxing acoustic tunes at the gallery art sale. Sunset Slush Happy Valley will be on hand for those who want to purchase a treat to cool off. 

 “Jana Marie Foundation’s Hobby Horse Derby is about coming together to support mental well-being, while having fun and making lasting memories,” Vicere said. 

Tickets are $15 per person and participants and spectators can register for the event at janamariefoundation.org/hobby-horse. 

Anyone interest in sponsoring the event should contact Christine Hughes at [email protected].

Jana Marie Foundation promotes mental well-being among youth and their communities through dialogue and creative expression. For more on on the foundation, its suicide prevention and mental health programs and foundation events, visit janamariefoundation.org.