19th Annual New Albany Classic: All you Need to Know!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by The New Albany Classic, but all of the opinions are my own.

Columbus Moms Blog had the wonderful opportunity to attend a preview gathering showcasing the magical event that is The New Albany Classic. We have to tell you if this was just the preview, then we can’t wait to see what the main event entails!  The greatest take away from the gathering was understanding The New Albany Classic’s true purpose.

What is the purpose, you ask? What does the money raised go towards? Who does this event support?

Every single penny raised from this event goes towards The Center for Family Safety and Healing.  The Center addresses all aspects of family violence including child abuse and neglect, teen dating abuse, domestic abuse, and elder abuse. The center offers prevention services, intervention services and treatment programs for all who have experienced family violence. The goal of the Center is to break the cycle of family violence and restore hope to all of those impacted by violence- something we so desperately need in our world right now. At the preview event, we had the opportunity to hear from employees of the Center and their passion for helping Central Ohio families. Their passion and commitment made a huge impact on us. They are truly committed to providing the highest quality of care to all children and their families. Without the New Albany Classic, many of these services would not be possible.

Now that you know the purpose and the passion for the event, we also wanted to fill you in on the “magic” of the event. First things first, you will definitely want to mark your calendars for September 25th, 2016. This is the 19th year for the event, as it was originally founded by Abigail Wexner in 1998. Each year, the event welcomes 15,000-18,000 people and has raised over 27 million dollars year to date. The event raises more than 1.7 million dollars annually! The event takes place from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. on the grounds of the Wexner Home in New Albany, Ohio.

The New Albany Classic is truly a magical event, one that cannot be fully understood until you see it front and center. It can best be described as a lively country fair for families, with music, an international show jumping competition among Olympic Equestrians, and family fun for all ages.  The equestrian show is the # 1 specialty event for riders in the nation and our very own Olympic Riders will be back just in time, hopefully with medals to show! You won’t want to miss out on the Concert at the Classic, which features the new female vocalist of the year, Kelsea Ballerini. Yes, you read that correctly! Kelsea Ballerini!

In addition to face painting, too many rides to count (including zip lining!), roaming story book characters, players from the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Classic has also teamed up with the Children’s Theater. There will be a beautiful mural of art for children to create and use their imagination to design and show that “Art Makes Columbus”. One of the events largest tents will be filled with superhero costumes (Batman included!), Harry Potter Props and dinosaurs from Jurassic Park. You’d like a chance to shoot Katniss’ bow from the Hunger Games? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered there too! The New Albany Classic has a little something for everyone and enough magic to be a day you and your family will never forget. Once you attend, you will see why it quickly becomes a family tradition. Not only are you participating in a fun-filled family day, but you are giving back to the community and so many Central Ohio Families that have been impacted by violence. It’s time to break the cycle! Together we can do this!

Schedule of the Day:: New Albany Classic

Gates Open: 10:00 a.m.

Concert at the Classic presented by Justice: 10:30 a.m.

Grand Prix Welcoming Ceremony: 2:00 p.m.

Grand Prix Awards Ceremony: 4:30 p.m.

Gates Close : 5:00 p.m.

Quick Facts

• The event is from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Parking is free!
• Concert at the Classic featuring Kelsea Ballerini will begin at 10:30 AM
• 3 and under are free, tickets for adults are $23 dollars and children 4-10 years old are $7.50
• A variety of food trucks will be available on the grounds: no outside food or drink is permitted
• Feel free to bring cameras, strollers, wagons and umbrellas
• Chase ATM will be on sight for cash purchases

Where to buy tickets

• Ticketmaster.com or by phone 800-745-3000 (service fees apply)
• All ticket master outlets (including Central Ohio Kroger; service fees apply)
• CAPA’s Ticket Center, located at 39 E. State St. or by phone at 614-469-0939
• Easton Guest Services- tickets available through event date unless sold out prior (no service fees)
• The Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany through Friday, September 23 at 5:00 PM (no service fees)
• Equus Now, located at 8956 Cotter St. Lewis Center, OH 43035 (no service fees)

For more information, please visit the New Albany Classic Website. New Albany Classic