Published October 10. 2023 12:23PM
by Dana Grubb Special to the Bethlehem Press
Friends of the Bethlehem Mounted Police held their annual Bridles & Badges open house at the stables Sept. 9, with hundreds of supporters attending.
The stars of the day were mounts Asa, Grey, Casper, Seamus, Mason and Star of Bethlehem, who drew the attention of young and old attendees.
After a warm welcome from board president Diane Mack, activities at the family friendly fundraising event filled a busy afternoon. Live music from The Large Flowerheads drifted through the campus and scents from the cookout and food trucks wafted through the air.
Kids’ activities such as face painting, pony rides and lawn games occupied the youngsters in attendance, and families got an up close introduction to the officers and horses throughout the grounds and in a question and answer period.
The mounted patrol gift shop was opens with all kinds of gear available to show support. The event concluded with skills demonstrations by the mounted unit and a raffle.
Mounted patrol officers Jeff Russell and Al Strydesky ready Asa for the day's festivities. More photos on page A2.
City of Bethlehem Police color guard and mounted patrol at attention during the national anthem.
PRESS PHOTOS BY DANA GRUBB The crowd of attendees and mounted patrol listen as Friends of the Bethlehem Police Mounted Patrol president Diane Mack welcomes everyone to the event.
Dazzle Berry, a member of the Disciples of Joy Clowns, applies face paint to Stephanie Aleo from Montclair, NJ.
Kora has her first pony ride. “I liked it,” she says.
Mounted patrol supporters visit the merchandise shop staffed by volunteers.
The Large Flowerheads perform songs from the 1960s.
People surround the celebrities of the day, the officers and their mounts.
Brett Biggs, a partner in caterer and sponsor The Clubhouse, serves Julie Ditchcreek from Coopersburg and Sherry Rodriguez from Bethlehem.
Officers conduct a question and answer period with attendees.
His face painted earlier, Lennon enjoys the Large Flowerheads under the dining tent.
Greg Geist from the Large Flowerheads sings “The Star Spangled Banner.”
