Fair Hill gets funding for international horse event

The Board of Public Works unanimously approved $1 million on Wednesday for improvements to the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area, which is to be the new host of an annual international event of horse jumping, cross country and dressage. The upgrades to the state park’s facilities — to be phased in over the next few years —“are essential for the site to host major equine events and other recreational opportunities, and necessary for Maryland to maintain its unique status as an equestrian epicenter,” the Department of Natural Resources said on its website. In 2017, the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s board of directors chose the Cecil County site over a competing venue in Virginia to permanently host the event. Maryland Sports, which seeks to draw large sporting events to the state, said at the time that the competition, over several days, could bring the state an estimated $20 million to $30 million per year. The event will either be called a “four-star” or a “five-star,” depending on a pending decision by the Fédération Equestre Internationale, which is assessing its star system for such events. The dates for the competition remain uncertain. an. “This may be a huge inconvenience, but safety is priority.” More than 1,300 cyclists have registered to meet up at 48 “pit stop” locations around the region for Bike to Work Day, according to the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, which is coordinating the event. Registration will be extended until May 30, but those who registered for Friday’s event do not need to register again, the council said. “While many cyclists regularly commute in an array of weather, the threat of flooding and lightning storms, present very real concerns for participants' safety from the Bike to Work Day committee and local public safety agencies,” the Baltimore Metropolitan Council said in a statement. on social media or the news and decide to come forward,” said Amanda Hils, spokeswoman for the ATF Baltimore Field Division. “They can also do so anonymously if they wish.” The suspects face a mandatory minimumsentence of10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. Anyone with information should contact the ATF at (888) ATF-TIPS, ATFtips@atf.gov, text “ATFBAL” to 63975, or contact ATF via the mobile reportit® app.