Before the parade passes by

Goshen — On Sunday, March 12, people can get into the spirit of the Goshen St. Patrick’s Day Parade by trotting into the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, which will be offering half price admission for adults and children. Traditional Irish soda bread and hot tea will be served with every adult admission from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. No other discounts will apply. The price does not apply to the children’s workshop, between 10:30 a.m. and noon. Young visitors, ages four to 12, will decorate small flower pots with horses and shamrocks, and then plant Bells of Ireland seeds in them. They will also learn about horses in Ireland, play horse games, and experience the thrill of harness racing on the museum’s 3-D Simulator ride. The workshop is $5 per child (this includes admission), with one accompanying adult admitted free of charge. According to Hoof Beats August 1995, although Ireland has been known for producing outstanding thoroughbreds and horsemen, the trotting sport is alive and well on the Emerald Isle too, though on a much smaller scale. Pacers greatly outnumber trotters in Ireland, and many of the races are held on grass tracks, which are laid out especially for the occasion. The racing of pacers under saddle, as pictured, also enjoys popularity. The Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, located at 240 Main St. in Goshen, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., November through March and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., April through October. For reservations and additional information, call 294-6330 or visit www.harnessmuseum.com.