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Community Corner

North Fork Equestrians Will Have to Wait to Ride in Hampton Classic

Organizers delay opening day activities in the wake of Hurricane Irene.

Opening-day activities have been cancelled for the equestrian competition in Bridgehampton.

The event was orginially scheduled to begin of Sunday, the same day that a category 1 hurricane is expected to hit Long Island. The Town of Southampton's head of emergency management monitoring the storm suggested to organizers that this would be the most prudent choice.  Most of the activities will be rescheduled at other times during the historic week of shows.  

"It appears likely that we will be hit by the storm so postponing Sunday’s activities is the only safe thing to do,” said Shanette Barth Cohen, Executive Director of the Hampton Classic. “However, at this point, it is still possible that the storm may hit with tropical storm, rather than hurricane, force winds. Therefore we are not yet making the decision to take down our tents and stalls nor postpone any of Monday’s schedule."

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We will remain in constant contact with the appropriate experts and make those decisions as they become necessary.”

Horses will not be allowed to enter the grounds until Monday, as high winds could could the festival's tents to collapse. The Classic asks all interested parties, riders, vendors as well as visitors, to watch the Hampton Classic website (www.hamptonclassic.com) for updates and a revised schedule. Updates will also be posted on the Hampton Classic's Facebook page. 

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