Featuring Tommie Turvey And Show Horses —

2GHG Commandant’s Cavalcade To Support Horse Guard

By Kendra Bobowick

Residents with an agricultural, equestrian, or arts and crafts bent are in for a first-of-its-kind treat on August 11.

Local promoter and event coordinator Mary Fellows envisions a mini Danbury Fair for the first 2GHG Commandant’s Cavalcade, a daylong family event including music, food, a vendor’s market, entertainment, and more to celebrate and raise funds supporting the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard (2GHG). The horse guard is an active cavalry unit serving the governor and the state.

According to a recent press release, The 2GHG Commandant’s Cavalcade 2012 is the “first annual equine and agricultural event hosted by horse guard as a way of celebrating the rich history of Connecticut’s Cavalry while raising much-needed funds to continue their community mission.”

Ms Fellows, who is organizing the day with Anne M. Vogel, said, “We are excited. It’s on a maiden voyage, so it’s got to come together.”

The August 11 event will from 11 am to 5 pm, followed by a special performance from 6 to 8 pm with entertainer Tommie Turvey and his horses. A professional stuntman and trainer, he travels and performs with his horses. “He has everything — funny talented, amazing,” Ms Fellows said.

“Tommie Turvey and his sidekick Poker Joe travel the world performing their signature acts,” the press release states. “In addition to being the most sought-after entertainer in the industry, he is in high demand as a clinician for his training ideals. He has worked with William Shatner, Linda and Pat Parelli, Clinton Anderson, and John Lyons and has been a featured performer at Disney in Paris, France; Medieval Times and Arabian Nights in Orlando, Fla., and toured with the Royal Hannaford Circus.”

As a professional stuntman and trainer, he has appeared with his horses in Jonah Hex, AMC’s The Walking Dead, Batman: Dark Night, and more. Tommie Turvey was also the stunt trainer/coordinator for The Greening of Whitney Brown, a one-night-only feature at Edmond Town hall on Friday, August 10, at 7 and 9 pm.

Ms Fellows saw his act at a Pennsylvania World Horse Expo and thought, “We have to bring him here.”

With Tommie Turvey and the full day of events planned, she hopes to raise funds, support, and awareness for the horse guard.

She said, “They need it; they need a yearly fundraiser.” In such an “equine-rich town,” Ms Fellows pointed out that the horse guard needs the support. State budget constraints in past years had threatened to cut the 2GHG’s funding. Last year the horse guard had its gear and offices next to Reed Intermediate School packed, awaiting word to move out. State Representatives DebraLee Hovey and Christopher Lyddy had initially stepped in with appeals to the governor, quickly gaining outspoken support from town and state officials to save the horse guard. Rather than rely entirely on state funds to maintain the facility and horses there, the volunteer members of the 2GHG will now also be fundraising to support the more than 200-year-old guard.

“Their goal is to just be self-sustaining, to help more horses and do more outreach,” Ms Fellows said. The 2GHG volunteers for parades, military funerals, community events, and more. “I love that it’s here and it’s a gem in Newtown — historic entities are great to preserve, they had a purpose and still do today,” she said.

The Commandant’s Cavalcade day is intended to celebrate and preserve the “proud and rich history of the 2GHG.” Coordinators wish to emphasize that in addition to raising much-needed funds for 2GHG to preserve the unit, the day’s events will help educate residents of the military duties and community services provided by 2GHG, foster a pride of Connecticut, promote and connect businesses and residents of Connecticut, share the history and significance of horses and how they have been used throughout American history in both military and agricultural pursuits, honor our military and veterans by giving special thanks for serving their country, and have fun with friends and family at a community event.

More Than Just Horses…

Ms Fellows and Ms Vogel are “hoping to incorporate the diversity of an equestrian lifestyle, the agricultural lifestyle, highlight food, artisans, crafters,” Ms Fellows said. “We want to showcase all the ways you can get involved,” Ms Fellows said. “Want to raise funds for the 2GHG, and it’s wonderful to bring together agriculture, equine history; it’s a great story for Connecticut.”

Also opening at 11 am will be a meet and greet with 2GHG troopers and their mounts.

In addition to Tommie Turvey, there will be other live equestrian performers and cavalry, including Sheldon’s Horse/The 2nd Continental Light Dragoons, and several more to be announced.

The 2GHG Major Gordon Johnson has led this all-volunteer state militia unit — part of Connecticut’s National Guard — for the past six years.

Coordinators have issued an open invitation to contact them. “We would really like to talk about what they have to share,” Ms Fellows said.

She is looking for “real, handmade crafts and crafters,” artists, animal breeders, food, and more.

To book a marketplace table, advertising space in the 150-page program booklet, or purchase a fence banner, contact Anne Vogel at 203-798-0000, or Mary Fellows at 203-313-9908 or mary.fellows@aol.com.

Tickets to the event are available online at www.friendsof2ghg.com — where ticket purchasers can buy and download tickets and print at home.