SAUGERTIES, NY (July 15, 2004) Equestrians will not be the only ones vying for prizes this summer at the new HITS-On-The-Hudson 200-acre site in Saugerties, New York. On Saturday, July 31, twenty of the country's finest chili chefs will arrive with their chili peppers in tow to compete in an officially judged Chili Cook-off.

Armed with a culinary arsenal of family secrets, special recipes and plain old ingenuity, these professional chefs intend to make this event red hot as they compete for the opportunity to advance to the national cook-off, which will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada later in the year. Recipes will be judged on taste, consistency, aroma, color, and bite.

Chili-loving spectators need not feel left out since they will have the opportunity to taste each entry and cast a vote for their favorite. The recipe with the most votes will be crowned the People's Choice.

Besides sampling award-winning chilies, spectators can watch many of the country's best horses and riders compete. Show jumping classes start at 8am and go to 5pm. The ten different arenas are sure to offer something for everyone. Shoppers can stroll along Vendors Row, which houses Friendly Mercedes, Ford Trucks and a variety of boutiques selling jewelry, watches, custom saddlery and tack, souvenirs, custom boots and shoes, and unique clothing with an equestrian flare.

Presented by Pepsi Cola of the Hudson Valley, the Chili Cook-off will be held Saturday, July 31, at the HITS-On-The-Hudson show grounds from 11am to 3pm. Admission for all activities is $5 for adults, which is donated to Family of Woodstock, Inc. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Parking is free. Contact Paula Woodward at 845-246-8833 or paulawoodhits@cs.com for additional information about this event.

HITS produced its first series of horse shows-a three-week circuit in Gainesville, Florida-in 1982. Today HITS produces five horse show circuits-the Ocala Winter Circuit in Florida; Indio Desert Circuit in California; Arizona Winter Circuit in Tucson; HITS Culpeper in Virginia; and the newest addition, HITS-on-the Hudson in New York. Individually, each is a first rate horse show series; collectively, they represent the largest group of equestrian events under a single management group in the United States.

HITS-ON-THE-HUDSON GENERAL INFORMATION

WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY, 2004 SHOW DATES

HITS-on-the-Hudson IV - July 21-25

HITS-on-the-Hudson V - July 28-August 1

New York Horse & Pony Show VI - August 4-8

HITS-on-the-Hudson VII - September 1-5

FEATURED EVENTS:

$25,000 Grand Prix Every Thursday

$75,000 Grand Prix Every Sunday

SPECIAL EVENTS:

Week IV, "Taste of" Event - Saturday, July 24th

Week V, Chili Cook-off - Saturday, July 31st

Week VI, Kids Day - Saturday, August 7th

Week VII, Seniors Day - Saturday, September 4th

HITS-ON-THE-HUDSON - 454 Washington Avenue Extension, Saugerties, New York 12477; Tel: 845-246-8833; Website: www.HitsShows.com

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