World-Class Equestrian Event Expands Commitment and Support to Ocala Community  
The only international-level combined driving and show jumping tournament in the U.S. returns to Ocala, March 7-10, 2019. The Live Oak International, now in its 28th year, attracts equestrian athletes and horses from more than 20 countries to Live Oak Stud each year to compete.

As part of the equestrian event’s mission to give back to the Ocala community, Live Oak International took over the sponsorship for Ocala Main Street’s Parade of Nations Horse Celebration. Last fall, the international governing body for equestrian sport made a decision to relocate the Nations Cup show jumping competition from Ocala to Wellington, Fla. In past years, this downtown Ocala parade was held in conjunction with that competition.

Renamed the Live Oak International Parade of Nations for 2019, the parade and festivities will take place on Thursday, March 7. It is free to attend. Ocala native Chester Weber will act as Grand Marshal, leading the procession of horse-drawn carriages, different breeds of horses, and international equestrians. Weber, who won an individual silver and team gold medal at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games, will be driving the Grandview Clydesdales team.

A family-friendly area, the Budweiser Garden on the Square, will open at 4 p.m. Entrance cost to the garden is $5 for adults, but free for children. Kids and adult beverages will be available, as will bleacher seating from which to enjoy the parade. The parade begins at 5 p.m. Families will enjoy photos with horses, puppies, activities with Picasso’s Pallet, music, and a Vendor Village with local food and retailers. A VIP after-party will begin at 6 p.m. To purchase tickets for the after-party, visit FeelDowntownOcala.com.

“As an Ocala tradition for nearly 30 years, Live Oak International holds our commitment to the community of the highest important,” Weber, who is co-president of the event with his sister, Juliet W. Reid.