Waitsfield, VT—January 14, 2002—The return of the five-week Vermont Summer Festival, July 10 - August 11, will once again bring exciting equestrian competition to the Northeast.

For the first time, all five of the Festival’s weekly horse shows will be held at the same venue, Harold Beebe Farm, East Dorset, VT. A new all-weather Grand Prix and Jumper field, an additional third all-weather hunter ring, and three additional all-weather riding/schooling areas have been added for this year’s competition.

The Vermont Summer Festival, which is New England’s largest “AA” rated hunter-jumper horse show circuit, kicks off with the Manchester Summer Festival, July 10-14. The action continues with the Manchester Classic, July 17-21, The Valley Classic, July 24-28, and the Manchester and the Mountains Horse Show, July 31-August 4. The action culminates with the Vermont Summer Celebration, August 7-11.

“We are very excited to have the entire Festival in Manchester,” said John D. Ammerman, producer of the Vermont Summer Festival. “The new additions to the horse show grounds make this a fabulous location for equestrian fans and competitors and we think everyone will be thrilled with the showing experience at this facility.”

This year’s event includes five USET-recognized $35,000 Grand Prix events and five $10,000 Mini Prix to be held on the last day of each show. Each of the five weeks will also feature a $10,000 Show Jumping Hall Of Fame High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper class, part of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series which determines which junior and amateur/owner riders will qualify to ride at the 2002 National Horse Show. There will also be Marshall & Sterling and North American League Child/Adult Classics and a NAL Open Speed class.

For further information on the 2002 Vermont Summer Festival, please call 802-496-4878, or visit the Vermont Summer Festival website at www.vt-summerfestival.com.