Bridgehampton, NY – September 2, 2023 – Ice cream, smiles and laughter filled the children’s area during the News 12 Long Island Kids Day at the Hampton Classic on Saturday, with the show hosting special educational activities and live entertainment for kids of all ages.

Children under 12 from Long Island and the New York metropolitan area enjoyed free admission, complimentary pony rides, and other activities including games, music, magic, and crafts.

“News 12 Long Island Kids Day is one of our favorite traditions at the Hampton Classic,” said Shanette Barth Cohen, the show’s Executive Director. “We always say that the Classic has something for everyone, and all the smiling faces we see is something wonderful that makes the day more exciting for everyone.”

The Classic’s News 12 Long Island Kids Day offered free pony rides for children under 12 courtesy of Steppin’ Out Petting Zoo & Pony Rides, who also brought their new petting zoo which includes sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, rabbits and llamas. Other great family attractions, all of which were free of charge, included performances by kids’ musical entertainer Marc Herstein; ping pong, cornhole and more yard games courtesy of Macrae Skye; and facepainting by the Amazing Rubini and Fancy Faces by Kathy.

Additionally, The Art Nanny returned to the Classic with an event-themed art project. Children were entertained with a magic show by The Amazing Zola and enjoyed learning about turtles from Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons. Circus performers Keith Leaf and The Lovely Laura brought smiles and laughter to all who attended, and healthy snacks were once again provided by Scott’s Protein Balls.

For live show results, visit TheHamptonClassic.com. Photos from the event are available via Dropbox with credits to KindMedia (unless otherwise noted in the folder name).

Each year approximately 50,000 people – including many A-list celebrities – come to watch the nation’s best equestrian athletes compete at the Hampton Classic. Rated USEF ‘Premier-6’ for hunters and jumpers with designated FEI 2* and 5* classes, the Hampton Classic features more than 200 competitions in six spectacular show rings, the Agneta Currey Boutique Garden with more than 70 vendors, and a wide selection of dining options, all on its world-class 60-acre showgrounds.

The Hampton Classic’s FEI competition began Thursday, August 31, with the $10,000 Citarella Open Jumper CSI2* and $39,000 Flecha Azul 5* Speed Stake and continues throughout the weekend with eight 2*/5* classesfeaturing courses designed by Ireland’s Alan Wade. FEI competition also includes Friday’s $39,000 Wölffer Estate 2* Jumper Classic, $78,000 Douglas Elliman 5* Grand Prix Qualifier, Saturday’s $39,000 Open Speed Class CSI2*, and the $78,000 The Agency 5* Speed Stake, and culminating with the $78,000 Hampton Classic 2* Grand Prix and $425,000 Longines Hampton Classic 5* Grand Prix on Sunday, September 3.

Outside the show rings, families can enjoy unique shopping; hands-on activities, pony rides and petting zoo animals at the Kids Exhibition Tent; and many more fun activities during News 12 Long Island Kids Day (Saturday, September 2).

Daily admission to the Classic is $20 per carload. Grandstand tickets for the $425,000 Longines Hampton Classic Grand Prix on Sunday, September 3, are $55 per person for reserved bucket seating. Grandstand tickets are electronic only; E-Tickets are provided thanks to support from Green is the New Blue.

For those who can’t make it to the show grounds, complimentary live webcasts of all Grand Prix and Aspinall Ring competitions air on the Hampton Classic website. Produced by ClipMyHorse.TV, the Grand Prix Ring livestreams are sponsored by Longines and the Aspinall Ring livestreams are sponsored by ClipMyHorse.TV. In addition, WVVH-TV, Hamptons Television, broadcasts up to five hours of competition and highlights each day during the Classic. These broadcasts can also be seen online at www.wvvh.tv.

For more information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show, please visit the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or call 631-537-3177. Hampton Classic Horse Show, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation.