Free Halloween festivities at Goshen Track on Saturday

Goshen - The Goshen Historic Track will revive a Depression-era tradition by hosting an afternoon of horses and Halloween enjoyment for children on Saturday, Oct. 30. The National Historic Landmark track, with cooperation and support from the Ray Schnittker Stable, will have the Parkway Barn decorated for the occasion. The Parkway Barn is the new barn, located on the backstretch of Historic Track and adjacent to the corner of Arthur Place and Parkway. The custom of serving candy, grilling hot dogs and bobbing for apples for local kids began with the renowned local harness horse trainer Walter Cox, who lived on Church Street in Goshen, with his Historic Track-based stable just behind the house. During the 1930s, Cox and his wife endeared themselves to the children of Goshen during a time when not too many folks could afford to give things away. The festivities took place at his barn on Historic Track’s first turn, still known as the Cox Barn, and currently home to the Ray Schnittker Stable. From 11 a.m. through 3 p.m., resident trainers and caretakers will supply candy, cook hot dogs and provide bobbing for apples to local children at the Parkway Barn on the backstretch of Historic Track. Parents and adults who accompany kids to the track will each receive two-for-one admission coupons for the historic oval’s 2011 race season. The track’s blacksmith shop will also be open for visitors, as well as the adjacent Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame at 240 Main Street, Goshen. All the activities are free and open to the public. The event will take place rain or shine and children are encouraged to wear costumes. In addition, each child will receive a USTA Standardbred Horse coloring book. Visitors should enter the track at the backstretch gate on Parkway in Goshen, which will be decorated with black and orange balloons.