Every Sunday before Memorial Day spectators line the streets surrounding the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair for one of the great Devon traditions: The Carriage Pleasure Drive. Started in 1966, the carriage event is an integral part of the Devon Horse Show’s long history.

Exhibiting the spirit of Devon perseverance, area driving clubs graciously continue their traditional Pleasure Drive coming from as far as Middleton, VA. The event began at St. David’s Church with the Carriage Picnic and Tailgate contest, as attendees awaited the carriages and initial judging. Shortly after, the carriages wound their way back through Devon’s local neighborhoods heading towards the Devon Show grounds and Dixon Oval. Families, friends and community members lined the streets to admire the beauty and grace of the horses, carriages, and presentation of the whips and passengers.

The following is a pictorial of the days event:

The picnic contest is part of the annual event in addition to the carriages that make their way from St. David’s Church grounds to the Devon Horse Show’s Dixon Oval. Picnic Committee chair Missy Schwartz (center) and her team  got ready to make the rounds to decide who has the best picnic  food and presentation !

2. Road Crew members Wendy Silverman and Phil DeVita got ready to judge the coaching participants during the initial judging at St. David’s Church grounds

3. South Jersey Carriage Club (SJCC) members Priscilla Meyer and Diane Beier enjoyed a moment before the carriage competition judging beganThe carriages began to wind their way through St. David’s Church Grounds to the judging ring

4. Leslie Padilla and Matt Ryan were ready to pour the champagne 

5. Its a family affair! Brittany and Jeffrey Parris brought their 2-year-old, Tristan, to the annual tradition

6. Harriette Overend, her mother Maria, Olivia Airhart and Leslie Padilla paused for a photo at the event  

A lovely view of the carriages approaching the judging ring

7. Barbara Berry, Elise Phillips and Andrew and Shelly Trivits enjoyed the annual event!

8. Dawn Mini and her team created an oriental theme this year! Dawn won the blue ribbon for best food and presentation!

Back on the road again for the final judging in the Dixon Oval at the Devon Horse Show grounds!

9. Picnic Committee chair Missy Schwartz thanked Philip Martin for his help during the annual picnic!