DEVON — The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair (DHSCF) will be kicking off a year-long celebration for its upcoming 125th anniversary with an induction ceremony honoring the “Devon Legends” at the storied Ardrossan Estate in Villanova, Pa., on Saturday, April 25, 2020. This prestigious group of inaugural honorees includes Olympians, national champions, and other luminaries connected to the success of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.
This is the first time in the history of the distinguished competition at Devon that the legends of the sport have been recognized. The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair looks forward to annually recognizing the many more legends that have made the event a unique and unparalleled horse show.
Meridian Bank, the presenting sponsor of the celebration, has been serving the Delaware Valley since 2004. “We are delighted to support the Devon Horse Show and be a part of this inaugural event,” said Chris Annas, CEO of Meridian Bank. “These legends represent the best of the best, it is an honor to be a part of the festivities.”
The first group of Show Jumping athletes includes Laura Chapot, Norman Dello Joio, Joe Fargis, Charlie Jacobs, Peter Leone, Michael Matz, and McLain Ward, as well as Hunter athlete Louise Serio. Ed Ochsenschlager and Richard L. Ridge will represent the Hackney and Saddlebred legends, while Paul Martin, Donald Rosato and John White represent the Coaching division.
The “Devon Legends” include many of those outside of the historic Dixon Oval, that have helped create the magic at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair. These legends include Ringmasters John E. Franzreb III and Alan Keeley, as well as Show Manager David Distler. The final group of Legends being honored feature distinguished supporters who have worked to improve the event over many years, including Mrs. Edith R. Dixon, Leonard A. King, Jr., Mrs. J. Maxwell Moran and Mrs. Lawrence A. MacElree.
“The inaugural ‘Devon Legends’ represent the top athletes in the sport, as well as those who have helped make the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair the best event in the country for over a century. We are thrilled to be recognizing the people that have given back to the sport and to the community in so many ways. We are looking forward to this new chapter in this event’s legendary history,” expressed DHSCF Chairman and CEO Wayne W. Grafton.
Tickets for the induction ceremony at the Ardrossan Estate are expected to be available in late February and will be limited. The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair will be celebrating its 125-year legacy with many special events, commemorations and future-focused initiatives, all leading up to a gala event in May 2021.
