Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Partial ban announced for this October's Far Hills Races aimed at curbing excessive drinking. Is that justified?
It shouldn't have come as a surprise: After complaints about public intoxication and rowdy behavior at last October's Far Hills Race Meeting, local officials vowed that such shenanigans must finally come to an end. Late last month, it was announced that general admission ticket holders at future Far Hills Race Meetings no longer will be permitted to bring alcohol in through the gates to Moorland Farm, where the races are held each October. The change is due to go into effect for this fall's race, scheduled for Oct. 19, 2013. Guy Torsilieri, co-chairman for the steeplechase horse races, informally known as "The Hunt," said that alcohol still will be permitted at corporate tents, catered affairs and for ticket holders who rent spots to host …
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Changes agreed upon by all involved parties in aftermath of complaints following last October's Race Meeting.
General admission ticket holders at future Far Hills Race Meetings no longer will be permitted to bring alcohol in through the gates to Moorland Farm, where the races are held each October, in a major change for the fundraising social event that dates back to the early 20th century. Guy Torsilieri, co-chairman for the steeplechase horse races, informally known as "The Hunt," said that alcohol still will be permitted at corporate tents, catered affairs and for ticket holders who rent spots to host tailgate parties. But the 46 percent of other racegoers, who park outside the gates, take the train or are dropped off to enter the property through one of three general admission gates, will be subject to pat-downs and wand searches for alcohol, …
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Far Hills police chief says juveniles taken to Somerset Medical Center with extreme levels of intoxication; other racegoers face criminal charges.
The annual Far Hills Race Meeting held each October may be the year's best party in the Somerset Hills, but arrests, violations issues and police response, as well as commentary, resulting from the behavior of some of the 40,000 attendees last Saturday's outdoor gathering will prompt a review of security policies for future years, said the co-chairman of the event. Far Hills Police Chief Ken Hartman on Tuesday said disorderly behavior at the steeplechase horse race, a benefit for Somerset Medical Center, "was at its peak compared to previous race events." Although police in neighboring communities, particularly Bernardsville but also Bernards Township and Bedminster, reported some traffic and impact from the event, the bulk of the …
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Revelers come to eat, drink and enjoy the Somerset Hills countryside at 92nd annual event.
The 92nd annual Far Hills Race Meeting drew more than 40,000 Saturday to Moorland Farms. Few seemed to mind the mud that was nearly everywhere, a result of Friday's rainy weather. "The Hunt," as it's widely known, benefits the Somerset Medical Center in Somerville. Since the 1950s, the event has raised more than $18 million and has helped produce the Steeplechase Cancer Center, named in honor of the event.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Extra traffic, unauthorized parking and potentially intoxicated drivers are some of the issues that neighboring departments anticipate each year.
The Far Hills Race Meeting is a highlight of the social season in the Somerset Hills, drawing some 40,000 spectators from near and far to enjoy fall weather, feasting and steeplechase horse racing at an event that also is an important fundraiser for the Somerset Medical Center. But while those attending the event are looking forward to the event as an enjoyable party, local police departments are gearing up not with picnic baskets, but with plans to put on extra patrols to deal with the issues that arise when so many people converge on a tiny rural borough surrounded by neighboring communities — all with the intention of having fun. Far Hills Borough, which hosts the annual event, receives funding by the event organizer, Somerset Medical …
Friday, October 12, 2012
The 92nd Far Hills Race Meeting draws revelers and raises funds for cancer center.
It's an annual event under prime fall foliage that has long drawn those who love horse races — and parties — from throughout the Somerset Hills, and also those who throng into the area on trains from New York or elsewhere. Next Saturday, Oct. 20, the 92nd Far Hills Race Meeting at Moorland Farms in Far Hills will return, and the organizers are expecting more than 40,000 spectators what is officially being counted as the 92nd race. Gates will open at 8 a.m., although the first race is not scheduled to begin until 1 p.m. However, whether they are in tents at the top of the hills or on picnic blankets with friends, the spectators — many of whom attend year after year — usually take time first for individualized tailgating parties and culinary…
Friday, October 21, 2011
Still some Sunday events _ an art exhibit, free wedding planning event and tour of a lake museum— and a Witch Hazel hunt, anyone?
- SPORTS
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Friday, October 21, 2011
If you're not going to attend the annual Far Hills Race Meeting over the next few days, there are still things to do. You can investigate otherworldly visions in our area at the Brick Academy on Sunday afternoon in Basking Ridge, or try something a little out of this world. Such as seeing "Weird Al" Yankovic in person. Or going on a witch hazel hunt, a healthy twist on commemorating the season of the witch. And if you envision yourself floating down the aisle in white sometime in your future, there's a chance to pick ups some free professional advice on wedding planning this Sunday at the Bridgewater Commons Mall. You can also stop by today to watch a free movie at the Bernards Township Library, and participate in a film discussion …
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
This Saturday, both locals and those who travel from far away to the event, will converge on this area for "The Hunt" in Far Hills.
In some circles, it's known simply as "The Hunt." The Far Hills Race Meeting, a fundraiser for Somerset Medical Center that will be held, as it has since 1916, at Moorland Farm in Far Hills, is this week's suggested Great Escape for those who want to take a break at what some consider the social event of the season. Or maybe the year! Each week, the Basking Ridge Patch will tell you about one great idea to give you a much deserved break, and make your life a little easier, maybe a whole lot more enjoyable. This week, we're highlighting the annual steeplechase races that begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, at Moorland Farms off Route 202 in Far Hills. But the gates open at 8 a.m. for the actual party to begin. And it's a scene to behold. The races…
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Two Basking Ridge residents among 13 individuals and a trio compete who competed Tuesday for honor of singing National Anthem before opening race.
New Jersey's most prestigious steeplechase horse racing event, the Far Hills Race Meeting, will take place October 22 at Moorland Farms in Far Hills. For the past few years, a person from the area has been is chosen to sing the National Anthem to kick off the event. This year, 17 finalists made it to the "sing off" Tuesday evening at the Steeplechase Cancer Center at Somerset Medical Center in Somerville. The finalists for this years contest included: Ananya Subramaniam, 14, Bridgewater; June Lewis, Martinsville; Catherine Kelly, 16, Basking Ridge; Rachel Goldman, 13, Basking Ridge; and Kim Sekora, Bridgewater. Sekora was chosen as runner in the contest. The winners were a trio, I.C.E., In Christ Eternally, from Tamaqua, Pa. The group is …
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Winner will get to sing before crowd of about 50,000 at the 91st annual event.
- VOLUNTEERS IN THE NEWS
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Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Last fall, soprano Marie Fosket of Basking Ridge opened the 90th annual Far Hills Race Meeting in Far Hills with her rendition of the National Anthem. This year, two more Basking Ridge singers are among this year's finalists to perform at the area's largest fundraising social event. Somerset Medical Center in Somerville, which benefits from the races held each year at Moorland Farms off Route 202 in Far Hills, has announced 16 finalists for the third annual National Anthem Contest. The winner will sing before 50,000 spectators at the steeplechase horse races and social gathering on Oct. 22. The contest among finalists will be held at Somerset Medical Center’s Steeplechase Cancer Center, which has received millions of dollars of funds from …
Elizabeth Landau Lawrence
3:34 pm on Sunday, March 31, 2013
I M you are absolutely right if the rules that are clearly spelled out in the race guidelines were enforced the new pat downs would not be necessary. The number of people that the "college kids" squeeze into a space, loud speakers and drinking games were enforced that would definitely help curb the rowdy behavior. I love having a tailgate complete with champagn. C u in October ELL more ›