Photos courtesy of Betsy Barron Photography
The 116th annual Devon Horse Show and Country Fair runs from Thursday, May 24th through Sunday, June 2nd, 2012.
The Main Line’s most beloved Spring tradition returns as the 116th Devon Horse Show and Country Fair runs Thursday, May 24th through Sunday, June 3rd.
The Horse Show and Country Fair is the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed competition in the United States.
Devon welcomes back Wells Fargo as its official presenting sponsor and Wells Fargo will also serve as the title sponsor of the Grand Prix of Devon, held Thursday, May 31st. The iconic Wells Fargo Stagecoach will perform in exhibition on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.
The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is the single largest contributor to Bryn Mawr Hospital. This unique and special relationship is only possible through the tireless dedication of the Country Fair volunteers.
The show opens with the traditional Junior Weekend, featuring equitation classes on Thursday, with ponies and junior hunter and jumper classes contested Friday and Saturday.
Devon Horse Show 2012 Special Events
Thursday, May 24th. Family Day #1, Sponsored by Hartstrings.
Children 12 and under will be admitted to the grounds at no charge. Free children’s raffle with drawings throughout the day! Specials at the fair and midway.
Saturday, May 26th, 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Children’s Day.
Free General Admission for the first 700 children (12 and under) courtesy of The Cambridge School. Everyone from toddlers to teens can enjoy a variety of activities in the Pavilion. The cost is $4.00 per activity. Meet at the back of the Picnic Grove next to the Pavilion (across from the Garden Café).
Monday, May 28th, 1:00 p.m. Devon Doggie Parade.
Free General Admission tickets to the first 300 children (12 and under) courtesy of Braxtons. Show off your pup in two categories; Pup/Human Companion Look Alike, and Devon Doggie Fashionista. Three prizes in each category. First place winners will be invited to parade in the Dixon Oval on Grand Prix evening! Click here to register.
Tuesday, May 29th. Family Day #2.
Specials at the fair and midway.
- Sodas: popcorn BOGO, smoothies $1 off, Sodas 2/$3
- Hamburgers: $1/Devon special
- Midway: $2 off wristband
- Tea Cart: $2 off Devon Special & Tea Sandwich sampler
Growing in popularity by leaps and bounds each year is the Ladies Hat Day Contest at Devon! Sponsored by Cartier, it returns with high anticipation and aplomb on Wednesday, May 30th, starting at 10 a.m.
Tuesday, May 29th, 3:00 p.m – 6:00 p.m. Guided Back Barn Tours. (ongoing).
Go “behind-the-scenes” and visit some of the most interesting areas of the Show. Look through a barn, or tour an equine ambulance, all the while learning about Devon and its history. Meet for this walking tour at the back of the Picnic Grove (across from the Garden Café). Free.
Wednesday, May 30th, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00.p.m. Ladies Day at Devon.
Devon Hat Contest (10 -11:30 a.m.) sponsored by Cartier. The event begins with registration at the Pavilion at 10 a.m, followed by a stroll along the promenade route passing the judges. Ladies Day Tea (11am) at the Devon Club. Presented by Cartier. Champagne and Tea Sandwiches. Music by Amber Rae and the Swinging Foxes. Plein Air at Devon Art Exhibition by Wayne Arts Center. Hats encouraged! Tickets $60/person. The first 200 reservations receive a fabulous goodie bag with Lisi Lerch earrings, Boyds of Philadelphia gift card, and more! Proceeds benefit Bryn Mawr Hospital.
Saturday, June 2nd, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30.p.m. Luncheon with Author Elizabeth Letts.
Luncheon with Elizabeth Letts, author of NYT Best Seller, “The Eighty-Dollar Champion; Snowman, The Horse That Inspired a Nation” If you’re fascinated by stories like “Seabiscuit” and “Secretariat” you’ll love hearing the author discuss this true story of Snowman, a doomed horse who became a national phenomenon. Harry de Leyer, the man who rescued Snowman and made him a legend will also be in attendance. To make your reservation, please click here.
Sunday, June 3rd – Last Day of Country Fair!
The annual plant sale is one of the most popular parts of Devon. All flowers and plants used to decorate the Show grounds will be sold at special discount rates in the Dixon Oval. The sale begins at 12:30 p.m. – don’t be late for the best selection. In addition this year the final day of DHS includes the first annual Itty Bitty Hat Parade starting at 10am.
For more information on any of the following special events please call 610-525-2533.
Tickets for DHS are available over the phone, 610-688-2554, or via www.devonhorseshow.org.
Gates will open daily at approximately 8:00 a.m. and close at approximately 10:00 p.m. The Country Fair area opens around 10:00 a.m. for the Midway and Shopping. The first Sunday, the gates will open at 11:00 a.m. and the Horse Show classes will start at 1:00 p.m.
General admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under and seniors 65 and over. Reserved grandstand tickets are available ranging from $12 to $50 depending on the performance.
