Hampton Horse Show Packs In All Walks Of Life

By Lauren Jaeger
The 1997 Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton, N.Y., got 60,000 spectators over the Aug. 24-31 run. Admission was $5 individually or $15 a carload. There were 25,000 tickets given away free to charitable organizations for financially strapped people.
"It"s a family oriented event and started 22 years ago," said Diana DeRosa, publicity person. "In the beginning, the executive directors doubled as the caterers. It has lived through lots of storms and hurricanes.
"Our goal is to produce a high level horse show for the top riders in the nation," she said. "There are different levels of competition."
The show"s sponsors included Manhattan Mortgage, who presented the opening day ceremonies with a parade; Newsday, for Long Island Day, held Aug. 23; and Barnes & Noble Kid"s Day, held Aug. 30, which provided circus acts, pony rides and free entry for kids under 12.
A daily walking tour was held at 1 p.m which took an hour and a half and attracted 25-50 people. Signage showing cartoonist Mickey Paraskeeas "Jr. Kroll" character decorated the grounds with tidbits of information about the show and Long Island.
The lavish feast was provided by caterers Robins Wolfe and 75 Main, both located in the Hamptons.
"The food ranged from potatoes, frankfurters with cheese for a couple of dollars, or a catered meal for individual prices," she said. "The average meal cost from $10 to $15."
While the horse show competition was the focus, special attractions included an exhibition by Hollywood trainer Ramon Becerra and a guest appearance by world champion Quarter Horse Rugged Lark.
Celebrity watchers went home rewarded with an eyeful of Susan Lucci, Calvin Klein"s wife Kelly, Christie Brinkley, Richard Kind from Spin City and Peter Jennings.

(c) BPI Communications Inc., 1997 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Scroll Amusement Business