*** UPDATE ***

Meet the Neighbors will not place, as originally scheduled, on Saturday, May 10, because of expected wet weather. The City is looking into when and how this celebration-of-all-things-horses event might be rescheduled for later this year.

*** ORIGINAL POST ***

If you or your loved ones like horses, then gallop down to the Freemanville-Birmingham greenspace on May 10 for Meet the Neighbors.

The City-run celebration of equestrian life will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that Saturday in the 21-acre space with pastures, fences and trees that’s accessible at 15660 Freemanville Road. It will feature live animals, family-friendly activities, food and drink options, plus a stable full of vendors with equestrian connections.

Meet the Neighbors – with the emphasis on the “neigh,” for those who speak horse – began several years ago in collaboration with the Milton Equestrian Committee as a way to connect with those in, as well as to grow, the local equestrian community. You don’t have to live on a farm or be a veteran horseback rider to enjoy the May 10 event, and families especially should have a lot of fun.

Highlights of the May 10 event will include: 

• Live, acoustic music from the dynamic duo of Foster Greene
• Pony rides brought to us by Bearfoot Ranch, a non-profit horse rescue organization that offers therapeutic riding lessons for children with special needs
• Horse jumps like you might see during an Olympic equestrian event – though, in this case, children will go over them rather than horses
• Demonstrations of TLAEAR, which stands for Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue, which Milton firefighters can use to help horses in distress
• Cool treats and warm food, including hot dogs and burgers grilled by members of the Milton Volunteer Fire Corps
• Vendor bingo, in which you can circulate among the booths to get your card marked for the chance to win a substantial prize package

Speaking of vendors, they will offer tack, horse-related apparel, accessories, equine services, and more. There will be art, including photography, and clothing for sale as well.

And let’s not forget the day’s biggest stars: the animals. Except to encounter horses, a donkey, and likely some smaller animals during the festivities.

Visitors will park on grass so, if it’s an option, you are best off driving an SUV or truck that’s less likely to get stuck in mud. And since this is very much an outdoor event, wear footwear you would not mind getting a little dirty.

If you want to know more or have questions, contact Milton’s Community Outreach Manager Emily Salerno at Emily.Salerno@miltonga.gov.