Leader in adaptive recreation and outdoor adventures places a spotlight on equestrian programming with western-themed event featuring a petting zoo, live music, silent auction and more
PARK CITY, UTAH (May 15, 2019) — The National Ability Center announces its annual Barn Party set to take place on Saturday, June 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the NAC’s Bronfman Family Ranch, Recreation and Education Center located at 1000 Ability Way Park City, Utah 84060. This event highlights and celebrates all volunteers, staff and participants at the Equestrian Program who have exceeded expectations and achieved tremendous successes throughout the year.
“This event allows us to recognize the accomplishments of everyone involved with the Equestrian Program as well as all those that have contributed to the growth and improvements of our offerings within this specialty,” said Tracy Meier, Program and Education Director at the National Ability Center. “With the community’s support and dedication to fundraising for the Capital Campaign, we have been able to start the multi-layered expansion process which includes a therapy room, family respite space and a new mounting ramp for the indoor riding arena. Our annual Barn Party is an excellent opportunity to kickoff summer and showcases the immense impact that everyone has made in helping us build a powerful adaptive nation.”
With Vail’s EpicPromise as the National Ability Center’s largest annual community partner and the Huntsman Foundation as Barn Party’s title sponsor, the event features a silent auction, petting zoo, colorful face painting, mechanical bull, line dancing with live music for all ages, delicious BBQ and more. Guests are encouraged to dress in western-themed attire. All proceeds from the event go toward creating programs and serving the thousands of individuals the organization helps each year. With adaptive horseback riding, trail riding, Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) and hippotherapy as well as summer camp programs, the organization provided over 4,419 equestrian lessons and experiences last year.
“The Barn Party is a favorite for many and we enjoy celebrating our participants, volunteers and staff with this family-friendly occasion,” said Marci Bender, Equestrian Program Manager at the National Ability Center. “This event allows us to highlight the benefits experienced daily by our participants in the Equestrian Program. We adapt to the physical and cognitive needs of participants while building relationships with the horses and embracing the natural environment. The gathering is an engaging and fun way to learn about the mission of the National Ability Center.”
Additionally, the NAC plans to provide more details about the final phase of its multi-year “I Can” Capital Campaign and how it has directly fueled improvements or the Equestrian Program and its facilities. The overarching goal of the campaign is to continue building and enhancing NAC’s programs and facilities to meet increasing demands.
Family packages for two adults and three kids are available for $150. Adult tickets are $55, youth tickets are $25 and kids under 5 are free. Tickets can be purchased by visiting discovernac.org/barnparty. For more information about the National Ability Center’s “I Can” campaign, visit ican.discovernac.org or contact Carey Cusimano at 435-649-3991 or [email protected].
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About the National Ability Center
The National Ability Center provides world-class adaptive recreation and outdoor adventures for individuals and families of differing abilities, physical, cognitive and developmental, including competitive athletes, youth, veterans and more. Rooted in Park City, Utah for over 30 years, with additional facilities in Salt Lake City and Moab, the National Ability Center empowers participants by building self-esteem, confidence and lifetime skills through inclusive programming and activities such as alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding, cycling, swimming, rafting, archery, among others. The National Ability Center is globally recognized as a chapter of Disabled Sports USA and is one of only 12 Gold U.S. Paralympic Sports Clubs. For more information, visit discovernac.org.
