Leaping horses, socializing supporters and a family-friendly atmosphere have drawn spectators to Howard Community College's Grand Prix for 20 years. But the true appeal for organizers has always been the scholarship money it raises for students.
The equestrians and the entertainment will return to the Columbia campus Saturday, and college officials say the need is greater than ever.
Applications for financial aid have risen 19 percent from fall 2007 to this year, said Nancy Santos Gainer, an HCC spokeswoman. That increase is in line with trends at colleges across Maryland.
"The national economy is proving very challenging for many families today, and we want to make sure that all students will be able to afford a college education," Gainer said. "More than ever, we must provide the best education possible to our students in career fields that will allow them to excel despite an economic downturn."
Each year at the Grand Prix, a course made of fences, walls and other obstacles is set up on the HCC campus lawn. Horses and riders have to navigate the turns and clear the jumps while spectators cheer them on.
The Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic, which begins at 11:30 a.m., offers $10,000 in prizes for the riders. The Columbia Classic Grand Prix, which begins at 2 p.m., has $40,000 in prizes and usually attracts world-class competitors, including former Olympians.
In addition to the competition, riding and hunting hound demonstrations and a performance by the Howard County Pony Club are planned. Food vendors, shopping, pony rides and children's activities are also planned. A raffle is being held; the grand prize is a Mercedes-Benz.
"We love bringing people on campus," said Missy Mattey, executive director of the Howard Community College Educational Foundation. "So many people don't know what we have here."
The Grand Prix raised $167,000 for scholarships last year, and Mattey said she expects this year to reach $150,000 to $200,000.
"The difficult economy hasn't affected our fundraising," she said. "People are still giving." That is good news for students such as Matthew Austin, 18, who received a scholarship funded by PNC Bank through the Grand Prix last year.
"It made it easier for me," said Austin, who has three siblings in college, including a twin brother at HCC. "I didn't have much money to begin with, and it really helped me out with my books."
