Community Corner

Sixth Annual 'Hay Day' Features Picnic, Horseback Rides

A special day for children and adults with disabilities.

The sixth annual Hay Day, a special day for children and adults with disabilities sponsored by the Avon Lake Saddle Club, takes place at Weiss Field in Avon Lake from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15. (The rain date is Sept. 29.)

Members of surrounding communities are welcome.

The free event is open to children, their families and caretakers and will feature a clown, DJ and possibly face painting, but make no mistake about it:

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“The horses are the big attraction for sure,” Saddle Club president Kathleen Azzarello said. “And everyone gets prizes.”

Miniature horses, some with carts, will be on hand for visitors to pet and groom. Horse rides and riding/skills exhibitions will also be featured.

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Each year, approximately 100 guests enjoy the horses and complimentary  concessions, including hot dogs, hamburgers and cotton candy.

“The event started five years ago when my aunt Mary Oring was at a United Way meeting,” Azzarello said of the event’s origins.

The conversation turned to finding a way to teach disabled children about horseback riding, and Oring suggested contacting the Avon Lake Saddle Club, which has a riding ring. The city will set up picnic tables for the event.

The whole family is invited.

“It’s a great way for us to give back to the community,” Azzarello said. “The parents don’t have to worry about special transportation, because they can come to Hay Day as a family.”

Azzarello said the free event is open to the public and although it is held in Avon Lake, draws from surrounding communities including Strongsville, Westlake and Elyria.”

Weiss Field is located at the corner of Moore and Webber roads. Look to the riding ring near the jungle gym.

R.S.V.P. Azzarello ASAP at 440-536-0145 or kathleen@getdependable.com if you plan on attending. The event also need volunteers. Contact Azzarello by phone or email for details on volunteering.


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