Your Guide To The 2019 Devon Horse Show & Country Fair

The Devon Horse Show, started in 1896, is the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed competition in the United States and draws top competitors from around the world. The Devon Country Fair, run by more than 2,000 volunteers, offers a variety of amusement rides and games for kids, food and drink options, boutique shops, and special entertainment events. Proceeds from the annual event benefit Bryn Mawr Hospital, which has received over $18 million during the past 100 years.

The 2019 Devon Horse Show & Country Fair runs Thursday, May 23 through Sunday, June 2, with a variety of special events and attractions to appeal to every member of the family. From exceptional equestrian competition to the ever-popular Ladies Day — and new this year, a tea party just for kids — there are many ways to spend the day or night at the Devon Horse Show.

All Performance Ticket packages are available online at half price. Check out the schedule below:

Thursday, May 23: Community and Alumni Night, plus the 3rd Annual Dog Show

The show kicks off with free admission and free parking after 5 p.m.

Families and friends can gather in the Grove from 5-7 p.m. with special appearances by former Philadelphia Eagle Vince Papale, retired Philadelphia Flyer Ed Hospodar, and the Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders, while supporting local high school booster clubs. Philly-themed treats will be available in the Garden Café along with favorites such as Lemon Sticks and Mom Pop Special Sodas. A special Derby raffle will be available to purchase two Derby books and a chance to win one of three baskets.

Alumni Corner at Devon will host an unofficial class reunion at Clydesdale Corner from 5-9 pm, when all alumni from local schools are invited to get the gang back together for a night of fun and reminiscing! DJ Express will be playing classic tunes, with featured mascot cocktails, themed light fare, and other surprises to keep the fun going.

Not to be missed – the Annual Dog Contest presented by “What A Good Dog” of Frazer at 7 p.m. in the Dixon Oval! This highly anticipated event will include an exciting exhibition and four classes for dogs to qualify in:

• Walk-Trot with Me
• Jumpers
• Tricks
• Lead Line Costume Parade

There are a limited number of dog entries available at $5 per entry, and $10 for unlimited class entry, with fees benefitting Bryn Mawr Hospital. Enter here or call 610-296-9243.

Wear your spirit wear and help support local high school booster clubs as Clydesdale Corner becomes Alumni Corner, welcoming all local high school grads with fun activities and themed drink and food specials.

The 3rd Annual Dog Show presented by What a Good Dog in the Dixon Oval will feature a crowd-pleasing exhibition and four classes: Walk-Trot with Me, Jumpers, Tricks, and Lead Line Costume Parade.

Friday, May 24: Border Collie Herding

Marvel as renowned Border Collie trainer Gene Sheninger and his dogs demonstrate their herding skills with sheep and ducks in the Dixon Oval.

Saturday, May 25: Children’s Tea Party and Radnor Hunt Foxhounds

Children 12 and under are cordially invited to dress in their finest for our inaugural Children’s Tea Party, to be held from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tea and goodies with be served, with special souvenirs to take home.

In the evening, don’t miss the Radnor Hunt Foxhounds, when horse and rider will elegantly parade with a lively pack of hounds.

Sunday, May 26: Pony Steeplechase, $50,000 Arena Eventing Class

Enjoy the fast-paced pony steeplechase in the afternoon followed by the excitement of eventing in the evening.

Beginning at 7 p.m., elite horse and rider pairs will navigate 15 standard cross country jumps and 10 show jumps over an impressive 1,000-meter course designed by Olympic gold medalist Mark Phillips. Reserved tables including upscale food and a full open bar provide a unique view of this event with Phillips himself for a special insider’s view.

Tuesday, May 28: Family Day

The Country Fair offers special discounts on food, amusement rides, and souvenirs. Take a peek behind the scenes with free Back-Barn Tours from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Wednesday, May 29: Ladies Day

An annual favorite, ladies are invited to gather in their best hats to enjoy this year’s theme, The Enchanted Garden. Festivities run from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and include live music, raffle prizes, an elegant cocktail reception and beautiful gift bags. Returning this year is celebrity style expert Carson Kressley who will join other local celebrity judges for the Hat Day Contest. All ladies donning elegant hats receive free general admission to show grounds until 1 p.m. New this year is a full ticket package for $125, featuring admission to the show as well as valet service to an elegant lunch at nearby Terrain Gardens at Devon Yard, where models will be showing off extraordinary jewelry from the event’s lead sponsor, Lugano Diamonds.

Thursday, May 30: Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon

Watch as the highest caliber of riders including many Olympians compete for a $250,000 purse!

Friday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1: Airmutts and K9’s in Flight

One of the country’s premier sports entertainment groups will make an appearance on the final two nights of the show. K9’s in Flight, “homeless to high flying,” have appeared on ESPN, the Disney Channel and Animal Planet, along with NBA and NFL half-time shows. All dogs have been rescued or adopted from streets and shelters around the country.

All Performance Ticket packages available online at half price.

If you're looking for more information, please visit our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitterand Instagram. Give us a call at (610) 688-2554.

This Patch article is sponsored by Devon Horse Show & Country Fair.