Karyn Malinowski named as Parade “Grand Marshall and Leader” for the Open Space Pace event

New Brunswick, N.J. (September 6, 2014) – Karyn Malinowski, director of the Equine Science Center at Rutgers University, is being honored as the Grand Marshall and “Parade of Horses” Leader during the annual Open Space Pace event on Saturday, September 20. The parade is scheduled to begin at 10:00 am from the Hall of Records in Freehold Borough and will end at Freehold Raceway.

“Selecting Karyn Malinowski as the Grand Marshall and Leader of the parade was an obvious choice for us,” said Sam Landy, founder of the Open Space Pace. “We have the scientific data and research regarding open space in New Jersey thanks to Karyn and the Equine Science Center. She has always been a staunch supporter of the horse industry and the preservation of open space in the Garden State. It is our privilege to honor her at this year’s parade.”.

In 2007, the Equine Science Center published “The New Jersey Equine Industry 2007: Economic Impact” report. The report assessed the total economic impact of horses and the equine industry in New Jersey, which included the number of horses in the state, jobs and tax dollars generated because of the equine industry, and acreage within the Garden State supporting equine facilities.

“My passion and dedication to open space preservation in New Jersey stems from a life-time love of horses and the viability of the equine industry in New Jersey,” said Malinowski. “I am deeply humbled to accept the invitation to serve as Grand Marshall during this year’s parade. I rarely miss an opportunity to help educate people about the economic impact of horses and that the preservation of open space is inherently tied to the sustainability and viability of the equine industry.”.

The “Parade of Horses” features the Freehold High School Marching Band, the Wells Fargo Stage Coach, and over 70 New Jersey horses and riders from various equine organizations. Once the parade arrives at Freehold Raceway, the Open Space Pace will kick-off with an exciting opening ceremony. In addition to live horse racing, the event will include a petting zoo, food trucks, vendor displays, concert performances, and fireworks. The Equine Science Center will be the featured educational exhibit during the event.

For more information about the Open Space Pace and the “Parade of Horses” or the Economic Impact report, please contact Tiffany Cody at cody@njaes.rutgers.edu.