Store Special 2020

  What is the difference between a Store Special and a Special Run, you might ask.  The biggest difference is that there is no ticket required for a Store Special.  These models are available in the Breyer Store all weekend long and will sell out.  They are replaced through the weekend and if the mold is popular, they tend to go rather fast.  However these models normally have a higher run rate than the Special Run models, but still lower than most Limited Edition models.  Store specials are normally priced around the same as a Special Run.  Prices will not be released until around 2 weeks before the event.

So, today we reveal the first Store Special for 2020.  Meet Benelli, a lovely blue roan Clydesdale gelding on the new Shire mold. 

Special Run 2020 Reveal

Welcome back to another reveal thanks to Breyer.  We are a bit behind, however, we are getting caught up quickly.  Remember that you can follow us on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and here to get all of your questions answered for BreyerFest. 

So that being said, let us see what the next reveal is! Let us welcome Hamish, the Irish Moiled Bull! Painted on the Angus Bull mold that was sculpted by Chris Hess, this mold has not been used in many years.  This flashy addition to the Special Run lineup is sure to please.

Tips and Tricks To Surviving BreyerFest!

Tips and Tricks To Surviving BreyerFest

Make sure that you dress for the occasion. Kentucky is hot and humid in July and has a tendency to have some storms, some of which might be severe. Make sure that you wear layers in the morning, if you are cold, and make sure to bring extra clothes and socks so that you are able to change often. Sandals are somewhat frowned upon as you can sunburn your feet and that makes for a miserable weekend, however, make sure that you have comfortable footwear.

Make sure that you bring sunscreen. BreyerFest is mostly outside and the sun can burn even if you are not feeling overly hot. Reapply as often as you need to.

Make sure that you remember to drink plenty of fluids and eat some food during the day. The heat can make you forget to drink or make you feel not hungry. Even if it is a nibble of food, it is better than nothing.

If the heat bothers you, make sure that you visit the museums as they are air conditioned. Also consider purchasing a BreyerFest Lounge ticket to get access to an air conditioned room to watch the Equine Demonstrations. There are also several fans all over the area that can help, including mist fans in many of the lines. Make sure that you know your limits in the heat and the humidity.

Make sure that you allot money for more than just models. Plan for a fund for your food, gas, hotel, and whatever you need. In advance, we have a BreyerFest Adjustable Estimate that you can use to help you guesstimate what things will cost in advance. This is located in the files and was put together just for this event.

Yes, you can store models in your vehicle and in the amount of time that you are in the Park, it will likely not warp. However, when you arrive at your hotel or wherever you will be sleeping, make sure that you take the models out of the vehicle. Lexington, Ky is not one of the safest towns and cars have been broken into and models stolen in the past. In the Park, the State Police roam the grounds and it is relatively well protected. Keep in mind that some older horses that you might purchase from collectors or the Covered Arena have a potential to bloat or warp more than the newer models.

Don’t over plan your day. Take time to enjoy BreyerFest, especially if this is your first event. Standing in too many lines will quickly sour your experience and will make this fun event seem like a chore. You have tickets to get your Celebration or Single Day models so you can get them any time over the weekend. You can also get your Celebration Model in the Special Run Line to save on a bit of time. Try to plan your Special Run Line times, if you get more than one, at different times of the weekend so that you are not standing in line back to back, unless that is what you wish to do. I like to get all of my models on one certain day of the weekend and then I have the rest of the time relax and see the horses, plastic or real.

Make sure that you drink water often. You can easily get overheated and dehydrated in the Kentucky weather. There is some amazing lemonade and last year, there was a free water station where you could fill up water bottles. Also make sure to take advantage of the snow cones. 

 

Be sure to purchase at least one Raffle Ticket. One dollar could potentially get you a very rare model as it only takes one to win.

Check out the Clarion. Take the shuttles to the Clarion from the Horse Park. The parking at the Clarion is limited to Registered Hotel Guests only this year. You might be able to find something that you have been looking for at the Clarion that is cheaper than on the concourse at the Covered Arena.

Make sure to plan and order your favorite Special Run Models. There is a possibility that by the time that you get into the tent, the model that you wanted could be sold out for that time slot. Remember that even if it sells out during your time slot, it might not be sold out for the next one. This happens quite often, especially with the Surprise models. Just relax and make sure you make a plan in advance. If you are doing pickups, make sure that you tell your clients that this could potentially happen and have a plan for them as well.

The Times: Breyerfest is open from 9-4:30 Friday and Saturday and 9-3 on Sunday. You can line up on Thursday for the Ninja Pit as early as noon, but know that you will be watched by the police and park security. I do recommend either getting there early on Friday or waiting until later in the day to wait until the line dies down. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO GET INTO THE LINE FOR THE NINJA PIT!!!! - this is a must to read. Again, you do not have to get in line for the Ninja Pit. As you come up to the Rolex gate, the official entry to Breyerfest, you will see a line to the right as well. That line is for general admission and NOT THE STORE. Please use that line if you are NOT going into the Ninja Pit.

The Wristband: You may have noticed in your Breyerfest ticket packet, you have received a wristband instead of buttons. This is new to us as well. We have heard a rumor that buttons will be available at the event, but this is NOT something that we know just yet. We do not know the reasoning of why they moved to the wristbands, only that they are there.

Special Run Tickets: Special Run tickets have their own file and the description of how they work are in that file as well. You MUST get to the special run tent 15 minutes before your time. You need to listen to what number was called. Yes, it will be insane, but there will be people there to help you. You MUST find your own spot in line, no one can help you there. Once you are in line, you will get to go through the store in 20-30 people at a time. You can buy two horses, but they must be different. Not two surprise horses. Not two animals, two different ones. The surprise horse is a surprise until the first one is purchased and opened outside of the line.

The Auction: The Live Auction takes place AFTER Breyerfest ends. It takes place at the Hall Of Champions near the covered arena. These are One Of A Kind Pieces that will take thousands to purchase. It can be fun to watch. I enjoyed it when I went and I would again, if I did not go to to the evening show. The rules about purchasing the models will be explained on site, but it works just like a livestock auction.

 

The Collector Club Tent: The collector club tent is there to provide shade, water, fans, and a sneak peak of models for those that are in the Collector Club. Last year, you were required to re-register, but it is free if you are in the Club.

Single Day Tickets: THESE GO ON SALE AROUND MAY, not earlier. They might increase in price, again, it is something that we do not know just yet. Last year, they were $15 in advance and $18 at the gate. You receive ONE stablemate PER ticket. If you want all four, please purchase four single day tickets. These can be picked up at the Help Desk.

Food and Drinks: The KHP and other vendors offer food and drinks at higher prices. We always recommend to bring your own snacks and drinks and MAKE SURE THAT YOU DRINK WATER!!! Kentucky is hot and humid and you will feel it within a few minutes of being outside. Be sure to stay hydrated and eat, even if you do not feel like it.

The Swap Meet at the Clarion: You are required to reserve a table from Breyer. You cannot just show up unless you want to shop. It is a busy event that draws tons of people. Be sure that you really want to do this before reserving a table as it does cost. Also, if you are not sure that you will be able to make it, sit down and think about it before spending the money on it. We cannot tell you what to do other than tell you what we would do.

The Live Show: I do NOT live show, but I do share all of the information that I can related to the event. I highly suggest joining their yahoo group if you have questions as we do not always know the answer to them.

The Contests: I share the information on them, but we do not know all of the rules about them. Between the admins, we have entered a couple of them, but nothing to the extent of some of the people here. Ask questions, but most people will not know the answers to this one.

A place to Charge Your Phone! This was a question that I saw on another group and it was answered there, but I am including the information here so that people have access to it and that it does not get lost in the crowd. The best places to charge your phone would be the Visitor’s Center and the Museum. These places provide plenty of outlets, provided that they are not currently in use and they provide air conditioning inside of these areas. There are also outlets in the bathrooms of the Covered Arena that can be used, but this place is rather humid and hot. I have used it in an emergency when my phone was dying and I needed to answer a call before making it to the other places. There are also some outlets in the actual Covered Arena itself, but these are mostly all taken and they are hard to find! I always recommend bringing at least two of the portable chargers that you can recharge overnight in the hotel room.

The Special Run Open Line: Usually on Sunday, after the last Special Run ticket has gone through, Breyer will open up the Special Run line to those that have three day tickets but not special run tickets (I believe). This is for an hour and the same rules still apply, two special runs of different models per customer.

*Drink water! More water than you have ever drank before and then drink more. You have not drank enough water yet actually. But in all seriousness, you need to stay hydrated and make sure that you try to stay away from coffee, tea, soda, etc.

*Pack extra clothes. The heat and the humidity do take a toll on the human body and you will sweat like crazy! Make sure that you pack enough clothes, especially socks to deal with this issue.

*Listen to the locals and those that post here. The cheap places to eat are usually the best. Some of the favorites include Waffle House, Red State BBQ, Cracker Barrel, Subway, and the staple of course, McDonalds. Of course, don’t forget Frisches and Gold Star Chili!

*Make sure to take breaks. Breyerfest is overwhelming, I won’t lie. It is hot, crowded, and an overload on the senses. Take a moment to sit down in the shade and take a breather some times.

*Take snacks to the park, if you do not feel like paying high prices for food. Food and drinks are allowed at the park so make sure to take advantage of that if you are looking to save money.

*Pets are permitted at the Park, but I would recommend, along with several other people, that they stay home or in the hotel. It is hot, they can burn, and you never can dictate just how they will act. I understand the need for support animals, but if they are not a support animal, they should stay home.

*You do not have to stand in line on the first day to get the Celebration Horse and the Stablemates. Later on in the day, the lines thin out and you will get them easier. Try to make the only line to stand in the Special Run Line.

*The Ninja Pit is NOT mandatory. You can arrive at the park and not stand in that horrible long line to get into the park. The line to the right side of the gate is for those that just want to get into the park or have a special run ticket for the first thing in the morning. If you do NOT want to get into the Breyer Store or the Pop Up Tent first thing on Friday Morning, then make sure to stand to the right side.

*If you are doing the Ninja Pit, please read the file that tells you about it, but rest assured that you will NOT find anything special there much anymore. Breyer is trying to do away with the idea of the Ninja Pit and they say that they release the warehouse models all through out the weekend.

*The Special Run line is complicated and dramatic, but the file here is one of the most comprehensive that you will find on the internet. Make sure to read the file, talk to others, and read what Breyer sends you. The line is easily understood once you have done it, but it is something that you need to experience it before you completely understand it. If you are still worried, I am always available at Breyerfest to help you in the line itself.

*Stablemate Painting is available and usually free for children 12 and under. I believe that adults cost a dollar, but it literally changes over the weekend and the availability of the models affects who is able to paint them. But it is always there.

*Vendors vary and we can only tell you what was there last year until the program is released. That will NOT be released until two weeks or so before the event. But there are always food vendors, lemonade, and of course, model horse vendors. If you are a vendor, please let us know so that we can be sure to visit you at the event.

·         Wear closed-toe shoes, because of the different types of terrain BreyerFest takes place on and you’ll be around lots of big horses.
·         You do not need to wait on a long line to get your Celebration Model or Single-Day Stablemates models first thing on Friday.  Models are available all weekend long.  As well, guests can collect their Celebration Models DURING their Special Run ticket time in the Special Run tent before they check out.
·         The KHP is very large and BreyerFest activities are fairly spread out, so plan to do a fair amount of walking.  If you need mobility assistance, BreyerFest partners with ScootAround for scooter rentals that can be delivered to your home or hotel room.
·         Be sure to read through the Guide to BreyerFest, even if you’ve been to BreyerFest a bunch of times before.  Locations change and rules change as the event grows each year.  As well, definitely take a look at the map, which indicates where things will be located for 2020’s event.
·         Do not get on line for the main Breyer Store in the Covered Arena, the large pop-up store, or the Special Run line without checking your bags first.  Bags larger and a Traditional scale model are not permitted in these stores and you could lose your place in line if you are asked by staff to check your bags before entering the store.

                                                                          

Second Special Run 2020

  The second special run has been released and while we are a little late here on the blog, the main group had it posted for some time now.  It is an absolute spectacular model and it is aptly named.  So without further ado, let's meet Oak!

Oak is on the newly released Georg mold and is painted to look like a lively, yet kind Noriker stallion.  His coat is intricately painted and this model will be available in the Special Run Tent.  His price will be determined later.

Commonly Asked Question For Road To BreyerFest

Commonly Asked Questions

How much do tickets cost? The price is always listed in the announcements as well as in our Ticket Information File. The cost varies depending on what type of ticket you are looking to purchase.

What comes with the tickets? Your three day tickets include your wristband to get into the event, Special Run ticket, Celebration of Horses Evening Performance ticket, and the Celebration Model Horse ticket. Located on Page 3 of the BreyerFest Guide

How much will everything cost? Model prices will be released two weeks before the event. Hotel, car rental, food, gas, etc all cannot be answered by us, however we do have a Breyerfest Adjustable Estimate in our files that will help you be able to put together a better idea of how much you are going to need for the trip and the event. We keep the past prices of the models in the files as well to help guess the prices until the program comes out two weeks before the event.

When do the programs come out? Programs will come out two weeks before the event. We cannot tell you in advance how much things will cost, however we do have a tentative schedule that has already been released.

What is the Clarion? The Clarion is where most people sell models and model related stuff out of the rooms. This hotel is not quite large and parking is extremely limited, but Breyer does provide a shuttle that runs from the Horse Park to the Clarion. We ask that you use the shuttle as the parking at the Clarion Hotel will be mostly for hotel guests only.

How much does the UPS Store charge for shipping from Breyerfest? The cost varies due to where you want it sent, packing supplies, etc. They do charge a bit more however. There is also a USPS hub near the Horse Park, if you prefer the Postal Service. It is really best to ask UPS their costs as we do not have access to their information.

Are pets allowed at Breyerfest? Please see our Pet Policy File. All posts submitted under this type of information will be deleted as it causes debates that escalate.

What are the bag check rules? Please check the files as there is a section on this in the Important Information File. We recommend anything smaller than a Traditional sized model is alright and does not have to be checked. We do not know what the Breyer Employee told you last year and we do not know what you have gotten away with before. Anything larger than the above size needs to be checked. The bag checks are for an hour each, normally. Located on Page 1 of the BreyerFest Guide

Questions about the Live Shows? Those are best asked to the show holders. While you might get the answers here, it is best to ask the show holders. Located on Page 2 of the BreyerFest Guide

Special Run Line, how does it work? This answer can be found in multiple places, but the basic answer is that you need to arrive 15 to 20 minutes earlier than you time so that you can know which number is called. The number on your ticket is the number that you need to pay attention to during this time. For this scenario, we will use the number 150. Let’s say that the number called is 150, then you will be the first person in line and number 149 will be the last person in line. There are around 550 tickets per time slot and they let up to 50 or so people into the tent at one time. With ONE special run ticket, you are allowed to purchased up to two Special Run models. Located on Page 7and 8 of the BreyerFest Guide.

What is in the Collector Club Tent? The Collector Club tent has water that is available to Collector Club members as well as sneak peeks for what is coming up in the clubs. It also has fans and of course, shade to help get out of the Kentucky heat.

What is the diorama contest and how much does it cost? The diorama contest is available at no charge for three day ticket holders only. The diorama is a scene that must include at least one Breyer model and must fit the theme. 2020 theme is Celtic Fling: Celtic Mythology or ancient history or Great Britain or Ireland. The diorama must fit within a 12 inch cube. Located on Page 2 of the BreyerFest Guide

What is the Custom Contest? The Custom Contest is where you can create a custom Breyer model that fits the theme. If you feel that your model will fit within the rules, you can send up to four photos highlighting your model to the Breyer email listed in the Contest page. This contest is open to all US residents and does not require a three day ticket, however you are responsible for how the model gets there and back to your custody.

Where is the Clarion and what is it? The Clarion is a hotel down the road from the Kentucky Horse Park. This is where you will be able to purchase models in room sales and visit the Artisan’s Gallery in the Ballroom. Breakables Live is also at the Clarion on Thursday before Breyerfest. This is where the majority of the room sales are, however the Fairfield Inn did room sales last year as well (2019)

What is parking like? The parking lots at the Horse Park will be crowded, so expect to walk a bit or use the shuttles. There is limited shade so know that your car will get hot and things can and do melt. However, some people have stored models in their car with no issues at all. There is security, but we always recommend to lock your doors. On Friday, you will likely need to park over at the Alltech Arena for General Admission. While you will still need to head to the Rolex Gate over by the Saddlebred Museum, you will be able to take a shuttle from the Alltech Arena to the Rolex Gate.

Are there shuttles? Shuttles are provided by Breyer and run every 15 minutes at the event. The shuttles run from the parking lots and around the various places that one can get into the event. You do need to wear your wristbands at all times in order to get into BreyerFest. Located on Page 5 of the BreyerFest Guide

Can I still attend BreyerFest without purchasing a BreyerFest ticket? People that visit the Kentucky Horse Park are allowed to look at Breyerfest, however you are not able to get a Celebration Model, any of the Stablemate models, or get into the events that require a ticket of some sort,

How do I register for the workshops? First, you must be a three day ticket holder. Then you will be able to go to the page on the Breyer website and register for the workshop of your choice so long as it is not sold out. We recommend purchasing your tickets early and signing up for a workshop early if this is something that you wish to do. Located on Page 2 of the BreyerFest Guide

What else is there to do in Lexington? There are tons of things to do in Lexington. There are things for horse lovers, historians, whiskey lovers, or those that are just curious. We do encourage you to look into the things as we do not know your preferences. However we do recommend Old Friends, Claiborne (provided you register ahead of time for the tickets as they can be hard to come by), and the Bourbon Tour. The new Secretariat statue is located at the Traffic Circle on Old Frankfurt Rd and is free to view.

Where can I stay? There are a number places of stay in Lexington and Georgetown. We cannot tell you exactly where you want to stay, however there is a list from Breyer that can give you an idea of where to stay and where the shuttles go to, if you would rather not drive to the Kentucky Horse Park. Located on Page 3 of the BreyerFest Guide

What is available at the Breyer Store and the Pop Up Tents? The Breyer Store offers not only the Store Special Models, where a ticket is not required, but offers Regular Run releases and some models that have been in storage as well as some past BreyerFest Special Runs. The Pop Up Tents offers unique BreyerFest Souvenirs. Each Limited Edition Model is limited to one per person per time through the store or tent. Located on Page 4 of the BreyerFest Guide

What are the differences between the types of models available? The Celebration Model is available to Three Day Ticket Holders ONLY. The Stablemate Single Day Models are available to those that have Single Day Tickets. These can be purchased online before the event, starting in May, or at the event while supplies last. Special Run Models are available to those that have Special Run Tickets only. Store Special Models are located in the Breyer Store and are available to those that wish to purchase them, but they are limited to one per person per time through the store. Pop Up Shop models or the Souvenir Shop Models are located in the Pop Up Store locations only and are limited to one per person per time through the store. Located on Page 6 of the BreyerFest Guide

What is located at the Covered Arena? The Breyer Booth is where you will be able to purchase raffle tickets and enter the Silent Auction. This is also where all of the vendors will be located as well as the BreyerFest Lounge. There are a few food vendors as well as restrooms. Located on Page 9 of the BreyerFest Guide

What should I wear to BreyerFest? Kentucky in July is hot and humid and is prone to storms. Dress accordingly and make sure that you have sunscreen and plenty of water on hand.

What is best to bring, cash or card? That depends on how you prefer to carry your money. Some people prefer cash and some people prefer cards. However, note that most rooms in the Clarion take cash only and the ATMS in the Clarion tend to run out of cash very quickly. At the Covered Arena, most people will take cards and the Breyer Store does take cards, however make sure that you let your bank know that you will be traveling so that your card is not frozen.

Can I take a wagon? Yes, you are able to take a wagon, however please keep in mind that you will not be able to take the wagon inside of the Breyer Store, the Special Run Tent, or the Pop Up Stores. Also keep in mind that the Covered Arena is quite crowded at all times during the event so it might become a tripping hazard or it might knock things off of the shelf at a vendor and cause it to break. If you have a partner with you that is able to watch it outside, then this is the safe bet.

What will food cost? This is a variable that we cannot answer. The answer varies depending on what you are wanting and what will be there. There are a few restaurants at the Kentucky Horse Park and there will be food trucks coming in the for the event. There are several local eateries nearby as well as fast food. Keep this all in mind when planning your Adventure.

Can I bring food and drink to the Park? Yes, you are able to bring food and drink to the Kentucky Horse Park. However, this should not include alcohol or glass bottles of any kind. Also make sure to bring stuff that can be kept in a cooler or will be alright in the heat.

If you have any questions that are not on this, feel free to message us and let us know so that we can add it here and answer the question as soon as possible!

The BreyerFest Map is located on Page 11 and 12 of the BreyerFest Guide

         BreyerFest Guide: BreyerFest Guide

                                     

 

A Glimpse Into Our Videos

Past Video Notes To View

Tickets: Tickets were released on January 2^nd and are the Early Bird Three Day tickets. These tickets cost $87.50 for adult Non Collector Club Member and $67.50 for child Non Collector Club Member, $85.00 for Adult Collector Club Member and $65.00 Child Collector Child. The Three Day tickets include your wristband for entrance, a special run ticket, a ticket to get your Celebration Model, a ticket to the Celebration Of Horses Evening Performance, and the ability to sign up for the workshops and participate in the live shows. Make sure that you pick the day and time for your Special Run ticket that is suitable for you and choose the day for the Evening Performance that you will be able to attend. You are also able to purchase a discounted parking pass as well as a ticket to get into the Breyerfest Lounge for $35.00 that allows you to spend the time watching the equine performances in air conditioning.

Changes were announced: With the release of the tickets, we were informed of the changes that would be coming to BreyerFest this year. Some of the changes were well received and some were much needed. The model pickup for the Celebration Model and the Stablemate Models has been changed. They will be available now in their own area over by the Autograph tent, near the Celtic Fling Pop Up Tent. You will also be able to pick up your Celebration Model when you purchase your Special Run models. There will be more Help Desks this year. There will be the normal one at the South End of the Covered Arena, but there will also be one over by the Special Run Tent, the Alltech Arena, and the Celebration Park. The Diorama Contest will now take place over at the Hobby Information Booth and will provide a larger place to view these amazing dioramas that are made by three day ticket holders. The last big change is that there is NO Costume Contest this year. Breyer has stated that they want to make it bigger and better and let it get the attention that it deserves so they will be brainstorming to make it more amazing. Rather than a contest this year, when you go to the Evening Performance, you will receive a raffle ticket and have the opportunity to win a glossy Celebration Model.

Celebration Horse Released: This year, 2020, the Celebration Horse is Ballynoe Castle RM. This lovely Irish Sport Horse that is a rich bay color. The mold used for this lovely horse is the Show Jumping Warmblood and suits him perfectly.

NPOD: The Ninja Pit Of Death is the line that forms on Thursday night into Friday morning. This line is for the Breyer Store and the Pop Up Tents only, not for general admission. Breyer does set out their warehouse finds over the entire weekend and those that do this line mostly just want to do it for the thrill. If you do not wish to stand in this line, then make sure that you stand in the general admission line or if you have a Friday Special Run ticket for 10 am, then you will have a special line to stand in marked just for that. There will be signs so you will not be lost at all. We do recommend getting there early if you do not want to stand in line as the parking lot does fill up quickly.

Shuttles: Breyer will be providing shuttles again this year that run the circuit of the Park so that you will not have to walk too far. These shuttles also run to the Clarion and other local hotels so that you are able to room shop, even if you cannot park there. The shuttles around the park run every 15 minutes. The actual schedule is located in the BreyerFest Guide and will be available on the program, which is released two weeks before the event.

Special Run Line: The Special Run Line is very confusing, but it can be easily understood once you have done it a few times. When you get your Three Day Ticket, you will see a separate ticket that says the day and time that you chose when you ordered your ticket. Arrive to the Special Run Line about 15 to 20 minutes early on the day and time that you chose. The number on the side of your ticket is what will be important now. We will use the number 150 for this example. Say that number called by the Breyer employee is 150 and you happen to be that number. You will be the first in line and number 149 will be the last person in line. There are around 500-550 Special Run Tickets in each line. About 50 people are let through the line at a time. Your Special Run Ticket allows you to purchase up to two Special Runs on your run through the line. You are able to purchase as many tickets as you want, but we do recommend that you do not get tickets that are in the same time frame.

Things To Do: First, let’s talk about the Customs Contest. This is where you are able to design your own custom model horse and compete against people from all over the US. This is one way to get your work out there and seen. Each custom must be completely done by the person that enters it and there are different categories to enter: Excellence in Finish Work, Fantasy, Most Extreme Custom, Best Custom For Performance Excellence, and the theme class for this year is Pairs Well Together. The top three finalists in each division will be displayed at The Artisan’s Gallery during BreyerFest at the Clarion. The deadline to enter this contest is June 11^th and the way to enter is to email up to four photos of your creation to the email address given on the link. Judging will take place by July 1^st and the winners will be notified. You do not need to attend BreyerFest for this contest, however you will be responsible for getting your creation to BreyerFest and picking it up, if your creation is chosen.

Next is the Diorama Contest. This contest is open to those that have Three Day tickets only and is free to enter. The theme for 2020 is Celtic Fling and will need to highlight either Celtic Mythology or something from the early history of Great Britain or Ireland. This contest is one entry per person and needs to be able to fit inside of a 12 inch cube. Your entry must include at least one Breyer model of any scale and that can include customs of Breyer models. All entries must be created by the one that is entering the diorama and must be submitted by 5:00p, on Friday July 10^th at the Hobby Information Booth. Make sure to include a 3x5 card with your name, age, city, state on one side and a description of the diorama on the other side. Winners will be announce on Saturday in the Covered Arena during the Raffle and you must pick up your diorama on Sunday before 1pm.

There are Live Shows at BreyerFest as well. This is a lovely way to show off your models with some of the best exhibitors from around the world. Breakables Live takes place at the Clarion Ballroom on Thursday and showcases the porcelain and china models, including customs. On Friday, BreyerFest Live kicks off at the Alltech Arena at 7 am. With classes from halter to performance, this is a great way to show your Breyer models. On Saturday, the youth and children have their time to shine at the youth and children show at the Alltech Arena. The information for these shows can be found on Breyer’s website and does have a separate cost. You must be a three day ticket holder in order to purchase entry and participate in these shows. Proxy showing is prohibited.

The BreyerFest 5K run/walk is a great way to have some fun and support a great cause! On Sunday morning, the 5K kicks off and supports Old Friends. Make sure to sign up early to get your spot!

The Celebration Park is a fun filled place where kids and adults can have fun. For children, there are free pony rides, Kid’s Jump Off, and a petting zoo. For both adults and children, there are Circus Acts, highland games demonstrations, and more!

The Craft Tent offers free Stablemate Painting. This is limited to one per person per day.

Don’t forget the Hobby Information Booth. Here you can learn about the hobby and what it entails. This includes painting models, customizing them, making tack, and so much more. Some of the top names in the hobby will be there to help guide you through your adventures.

Food available at the event ranges from the offerings of the Kentucky Horse Park concession stands that normally offer sandwiches and salads to food trucks in the Celebration Park. Don’t forget the amazing lemonade that makes an appearance there as well.

Certainly do not forget the Evening Performance on Friday and Saturday nights. This amazing spectacle is produced by Silvia Zerbini and promises to be amazing!

The Live Auction takes place on Saturday evening for three day ticket holders that are able to bid on some amazing one of a kind models straight from Breyer.

Last, but certainly not least, make sure that you browse the amazing vendors in the Covered Arena. You might find something that you have been looking for or maybe find something new that you did not know that you needed. The Breyer Store is also located in the Covered Arena so make sure to check that out as well!

BreyerFest After Dark is a great place to see what artists have available and to also see the Customs that have qualified for the Customs Contest and those that have won. Located at the Clarion, this is a place that you can find everything that you have been looking for, model wise of course. Hundreds of rooms that have sales, a Swap Meet on Friday evening, and the Artisan’s Gallery, you are sure to find exactly what model that you have been looking for to add to your collection.

But remember that BreyerFest takes place at the amazing Kentucky Horse Park so there are more things to see beside just the things at BreyerFest. Make sure to check out the Hall Of Champions and the Breeds Barn as well as the Big Barn and so much more. For a fee, you can ride a horse or your child can ride a pony. You can explore in the wonderful museums there as well.

                                                    

First Special Run Of 2020!

BreyerFest 2020 sure is starting with a bang this year! The first sneak peek was released this past monday and it was a lovely soft grey pinto, but no one could guess what the mold was.  Today, we were treated to the full photo and I am sure that no one is disappointed. 

Her name is Epona and she is a lovely soft grey pinto on the Strapless Mold.  Remember that you will need a Special Run ticket in order to be able to purchase a Special Run model.

Early Bird Model 2020

Let us welcome, Dyflin, the3 Day Ticket Early Bird Model.  This lovely horse  is on the Esprit mold and is a lovely color, but what makes him even more special is that there are only three of him made!  If you purchase your BreyerFest 3 day tickets before April 15th, then you will be eligible to win this lovely horse! The lucky winners will be announced in May on the BreyerFest Blog and then they will be able to pick them up at BreyerFest during the Saturday Raffle.

Breyerfest 2020! Are You Ready?!

2020 is here and that means that BreyerFest tickets are now on sale! The theme for 2020 is Celtic Fling and it promises to be a very unique BreyerFest this year.

First, the tickets.  Tickets went on sale January 2nd and cost the same as they did last year.  $85 for Collector Club member adults and $87.50 for non Collector Club member adults.  Children's tickets are in the $60s. The exact prices are on our Facebook group and the link to purchase the tickets are there as well.  This year, make sure that you are logged into your Collector Club account and you will need to enter a code this year for the discount- CC2020Tickets. There is no limit to how many tickets that you can purchase.  They also added more days to the BreyerFest Lounge. For $35, you can choose a day (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday) and be allowed access to the lounge above the Covered Arena and watch the equine performances in air conditioning and be served a light refreshment. Don't forget to pick up your parking pass for $13 while you are ordering your tickets as well!

Second, there are some things that are not changing this year that changed last year, if that makes sense! You are still able to pick up your Celebration Model when you are purchasing your Special Runs.  This was a great option last year and let me tell you, I loved it! It made it so much easier to get my models in mostly one place.  I have a tendency to want to get all of my models in one day so that I can enjoy the rest of my weekend so this was a great option.  The next change that remained from last year is that the Live Auction is on Saturday,  It is located in the Hall Of Champions and I believe that it starts at 5:30pm. Also, there again will be three Pop Up Stores.  This became a topic of hot debate last year as to where they would be and let me tell you, I tried to tell people exactly where they would be and I was ignored.  But no worries, this year I will let people know like I did last year and well, if they don't believe me, I will be printing out a map or five! The locations are as follows:  Across from the Covered Arena, The Celebration Park near the petting zoo, and the Altech Arena during the Evening Shows where there will be limited stock. The last change last year that I will add here is that there will be two bag checks.  I do not have confirmation that they are doing this again, but I will include it since it might happen.  Last year, there was a bag check right outside of the line for the Special Run Tent and one over by the Breyer Store.  The bag check is great when you want to go into the store and do not have someone to watch your bags.  Make sure that you keep your ticket and turn it back in when you return and know that these guys are volunteers and they might misplace a bag, but they normally find it and make it right.  Those are all of the old changes.  Onto the New Changes....

Third, there are some new changes that are coming that seem to be making people nervous.  I, for one, think that these new changes are going to be amazing.  The first is that the Celebration Model and Stablemate hand out will be in the same location, over the the Pop Up Store and the Autograph tent. There will be more help desks this year as well.  This was something that has been needed for several years now since BreyerFest has grown like crazy! There will be NO costume contest this year.  Breyer felt that it was not being implemented to the best of its ability and well, they are working on a way to make it bigger and better.  Instead of getting the Costume Contest, everyone that goes to the Evening Shows will be handed a raffle ticket and they will be eligible for a glossy Celebration Model.  Workshops will have their very own large and air conditioned tent over in the Annex Ring this year and it will have a floor and tarps to cut down on the dust.  Some of the workshops are already sold out, so make sure to grab the ones that you want early! The diorama contest will be in the Hands On Hobby booth now, which was located by the Covered Arena last year and was a large place to showcase several hobby members that customize and paint and so much more.  2020 will feature the diorama contest in the Hands On Hobby booth and that way you will be able to see just what dioramas have been entered and see who placed.  Last, but certainly not least of the new changes is the Sunday Raffle.  The Saturday Raffle will remain the same, however there has been a Special Run time added to Sunday so the raffle time has been pushed back until 3:30PM. You MUST be present to pick up the raffle model if you win so make sure to schedule your day around that since Sunday is the last day. 

I hope that this has helped you start to plan your adventure by giving you just what is changing and what is not changing.  There are MANY more posts planned and don't forget about our Facebook Group since that is where most of the information and the sharing is done.  We also have an Instagram, a TikTok, and a Youtube that you can follow.

A Year In Review

  2019, what can I say?  This year has been full of ups and downs in the model horse world as well as my own personal life.  This year has also shown me that the model horse hobby is competitive and yet strange at the same time. But, of course, this was all foreshadowed by what happened during Breyerfest. 

Breyerfest 2019 was a crazy year.  It was an anniversary year so that meant more variations than we knew what to do with! It also meant that people went crazy for some reason. Leading up to Breyerfest, I did all of my normal videos and tutorials, but for some reason, the special run line and the model handout seemed to create stress from the very beginning.  I tried my hardest to explain it all.  I got the exact wording from Breyer to help explain it.  I did videos where I showed people how to read their tickets and so on. But once at Breyerfest, the very first Special Run Line showed that something was very wrong. I don't know where I went wrong or where anyone else went wrong.  There was stories of money theft in the line.  There were stories of fake tickets. Stories of models selling out until there was no models left at all.  But in the end, I did get the correct information and I helped as many people as I could.  The models NEVER did sell out, only the ones that people were desperate for and had to have.  The money theft was reported to the police, but no one got to hear the result of what happened.  And as for the fake tickets? Who knows?! But it was indeed one crazy adventure.  And that was only ONE DAY!

I offered to sell lanyards this year at an unbelievable price.  The price was literally $2.50 per person if you picked them up at Breyerfest, but I would NEED to add shipping, if you needed them shipped and shipping would not be discounted.  While many bought them, many did NOT pick them up and I ended up waiting at various places during Breyerfest to hand out these lanyards.  I got heat stroke, I won't lie, and I was very frustrated because many who said that they would be there, never showed up.  While I understand that this weekend is one that will overwhelm even the most hardened veteran, I did my end of the deal and I waited and waited.  But, in the end, some did get picked up and those that got theirs, were very happy them.  Would I like to do this again? Yes, however I will NOT be charging the extremely discounted price and shipping will still be additional.  I hate to even think like that, but sadly I am a stay at home mom and I do not get paid for doing anything for Road To Breyerfest since it is a vision of my own design. But again, I do this because I love helping people to get to Breyerfest.

The models released for Breyerfest and just normally were amazing and I wished that I could have bought every single one of them.  I was not able to complete my own conga and have given up on it, however I did keep another one complete.  Will my collecting goals change for next year? Likely not since I enjoy what I am collecting and looking at daily.  Will my goals for Road To Breyerfest change for 2020? Yes and I have already started making the changes that are coming.  The biggest one is that I am only focusing on Breyerfest this year and not Stone as much.  Going to two events and then not being able to actually document the Stone Dinner was too much this year so I have decided that it was time to go back to my roots of Breyerfest only.  I was approached at Breyerfest and asked if I worked for either company and I am asked that almost daily, however the answer will always remain the same.  No, I do not. I am merely here as a fan site and group in order to provide information that is normally not easy to get. I am just someone who loves the event and someone who does not want people to be as confused as she was during her first three times. 

So with all that craziness being said, I am signing off for the last time in 2019 and will return in 2020 with ticket information since tickets go on sale January 2nd.

Changes Coming To Breyerfest 2020

 Today we will be discussing the new changes to Breyerfest and what it means to you. Our last post focused on just the type of tickets that you are able to purchase for Breyerfest. We will be reviewing that at the end of the new stuff in this video as well. As always, your questions are completely welcome here on the video as well as on the group wall since we are here to help you plan your Breyerfest Adventure.

The first of the changes that I want to go over is the Model Pickup location. The Celebration Model and the Stablemate Models will all be at the same location this year. This will be in the Parking Lot behind the Pop Up Tent near the Covered Arena. It will definitely be marked on the program. The models are available all weekend long, so please remember that you do not have to wait in a long line to get the models. If you have a ticket, you are guaranteed a model. I strongly urge you to read the letter that will come with your Single Day Stablemate tickets however as when the line is long, Breyer reserves the right to use a Gambler’s Choice type pick for those models unless you are wanting a full set.

The Workshops are next on our changes and this is a really nice change. This year, 2020, the Workshops will be in the Annex Ring inside of a large and air conditioned tent. This tent will have flooring as well to help reduce the dust that is there.

There will be plenty more Help Desks around the park this year. Besides the Breyerfest Ambassadors and Road To Breyerfest, the Help Desks are some of the best places to get your information on where things are located or if you just need more information on the hobby. The locations will be The Celebration Park, The Covered Arena, The Special Run Tent, and the Altech Arena.

The Hands On Hobby booth will now include the Diorama Contest and there you will be able to not only check out the amazing entries in the diorama contest, but you will be able to talk to some awesome ladies about different aspects of the model horse hobby, such as customizing and painting.

The Saturday Raffle for 2020 will stay the same, being called at 4:30pm in the Covered Arena. However, the Sunday one will be different for 2020. There has been an addition of one more Special Run ticket time at 2:00pm so the raffle will be pushed back until3:30pm so that everyone has a chance to get to the Covered Arena for the raffle to be called.

The last change for this video will be that there will be no Costume Contest. Breyer has decided that they need to find a better way to showcase the amazing talents of those that wish to participate in the Costume Contest so this year, it is being shelved for now in order to find that better way. However, they glossy models will still be available through a raffle type event as you enter the Celebration Of Horses Evening Event on Friday or Saturday night. You will receive a ticket at the door and from there a few lucky winners will receive a glossy Celebration Horse. This makes it fair for everyone while Breyer is plotting to spotlight the costumes once more!

2020 Road To Breyerfest Goals!

Hello Roadies! In honor of Breyer’s70th anniversary of making amazing models, we are going back to our own roots! Breyerfest time comes around once a year and new and veteran collectors alike rejoice. Young children drag patient parents to the Kentucky Horse Park to see real and plastic horses. Veteran attendees flock to the park to scour the Covered Arena for deals, to get the latest releases, hope to win or buy a one of a kind model, and find their Holy Grail at Breyerfest After Dark at the Clarion Hotel.

Created in 2013, Road To Breyerfest is your one stop source of information on the ins and outs of Breyerfest. Whether you are a first time attendee with an overly excited child in tow, a hobbyist attending for the first time, or a seasoned veteran, Road To Breyerfest has information to help you plan your adventure and help you get the absolute most out of the event. Our positive community allows you a safe place to ask questions about the event, share your plastic pony collection, and see what will be released all year long.

Road To Breyerfest offers all access to special files written from both personal experience and information released from Breyer. We also offer on site help at Breyerfest for those that need to know where something is located or even just pointed in the right direction to see the horses that inspire the models. But our services do not end there! We have an annual meet and greet before the event so hobbyists can come together and talk about what they love most- Horses! We also provide Live Videos on our Facebook Group for those that are not about to attend Breyerfest in person. Our virtual Breyerfest experience offers views from all aspects of the event.

So whether you are a parent, a hobbyist, horse lover, or just want to learn more about Breyerfest, Road To Breyerfest offers something for everyone.

As we go back to our roots, we are shifting a portion of our focus to the event that draws the most attention- Breyerfest. Over the past few years, we have extended our reach to include several model horse companies and what they have to offer during this amazing weekend in July. Personal events have reared their head and Road To Breyerfest needed to take a step back after Breyerfest 2019 and focus on what we were originally. But never fear, we are in no danger of leaving! Just a nice throwback to the roots of the model horse hobby that is coming at the absolute perfect time.

We are also refocusing what we do at the event itself, We want to provide you with best Breyerfest adventure that we can provide. Last year had some hiccups, but we were able to overcome them quickly and provided information all weekend long. In 2020, we will be placing a text only phone number on the group for members that need immediate assistance and asking those that have general questions to message the Road To Breyerfest Facebook Page and a member of our amazing admin team will answer it when the time allows, usually a very short wait since we try to always be available. In 2020, we are only organizing the annual meet and greet lunch on Thursday before Breyerfest. However, we will help sponsor a meet and greet, if a member wishes to hold one. For more information on having Road To Breyerfest sponsor a meet and greet, please message the Road To Breyerfest page.

This is all only just a few of the awesome things coming to Road To Breyerfest for 2020 and hopefully many more years after that! We also hope that you recommend us to others while planning your adventures! Our mascot, Aria, is looking forward to a small announcement of her own later in the New Year. Road To Breyerfest has had a mascot since 2014, but last year, it was decided that a Breyerfest Single Day Stablemate would be a permanent addition to Road To Breyerfest so look for our little palomino pinto Warmblood as she plans her very first Breyerfest adventure as just a fun little thing to help members plan their own adventure. Her photos will be loaded into a special album on the Road To Breyerfest Group to help keep them all in one place.

Thank you all for being members of Road To Breyerfest and we look forward to seeing your adventure unfold or just have you join our virtual Breyerfest experience and community! 

2020 Breyerfest Ticket Information

Roadies, welcome to Road To Breyerfest! This video is here to help you start your Breyerfest adventure at the beginning and that is tickets! What do you need? What is the best deal for your money? Questions like that must float through your mind once you make the decision to go to Breyerfest. But even those that have been going for years know that this adventure planning is one that needs to be done almost a year in advance, but no worries, you are getting started at the perfect time!

Tickets have not gone on sale yet and will not be on sale until January 2^nd, per the Just About Horses magazine that is free for Collector Club members. On that day, Early Bird Three Day Tickets will be available for purchase, but keep in mind that Single Day Tickets will not be released until May, if those are the tickets that you are looking for instead of the three day tickets. Collector Club members will get a small discount when purchasing three day tickets, but you do not need to be a Collector Club member to purchase Early Bird Tickets. Also note that if you purchase Early Bird Tickets, you are entered into the raffle for the Early Bird Model, a special model that usually has only 3 of them made just for this raffle.

Ticket prices are currently based on 2019 and will be regarded as correct until otherwise noted. Collector Club Early Bird Three Day tickets were $85 for adult tickets and $65 for child tickets. I will go into the differences in a moment. For those looking to purchase tickets that are not Collector Club members, the prices are $87.50 for adults and $67.50 for children. The Early Bird pricing is good from January until April 15^th, usually. Then the normal pricing takes over and that will be $95 for adult Collector Club tickets and $67 for children Collector Club tickets and $97.50 for adult three day tickets and $72 for children three day tickets.

But what is all included in the three day tickets that you purchase early? There is a lot that you are able to get access to once you have the three day tickets. You will get a Traditional sized model of the Celebration Horse. In 2020, the Celebration Horse is the Irish Sport Horse Ballynoe Castle. You also get one ticket to the Special Run line, ability to purchase a discounted parking pass, entrance to the Celebration of Horses Evening Performance on either Friday or Saturday night, access to participate in the Live Auction, the ability to participate in the diorama contest, the ability to enter the costume contest, access to the workshops, access to the Live Shows, and access to the entire Kentucky Horse Park for the weekend. The parking pass is a reduced price, usually around $13 and allows you to leave and enter the park without needing to pay every time. The Special Run ticket allows you to purchase up to two special runs, but we will have more on this in the new year as we grow closer to the main event. The Celebration Of Horses Evening Performance is an event that surely should not be missed! It showcases some of the best talent around and is sure to have something to delight everyone. The three day ticket is a wonderful deal, even if you do not plan on being there all three days.

That brings us to the Single Day Tickets that are released in May. While you have to wait for them, there is no separate price for Collector Club and those that are not in the Club. The price for 2019 was $17 in advance and $20 at the gate. These tickets are perfect if you are just in the area for one day or just need to not be overwhelmed by all that is Breyerfest. With the Single Day Tickets, you will receive a Single Day Stablemate rather than the Celebration Model and this Stablemate is one of usually four different models that will be available all weekend long. There will be more on how to get your Single Day Stablemate later in the new year. The Single Day Tickets allow you access to the Kentucky Horse Park and Breyerfest, however if you want to go to the Celebration of Horses evening performance, you will need to upgrade your ticket at the time of purchase. This upgrade is just a ticket purchase to the performance and not a whole upgrade to a three day ticket. The Single Day ticket holders do still have access to purchase the discounted parking pass, but they do not receive the Special Run ticket or the ability to enter the Costume Contest or the Live Shows.

However you plan your Breyerfest adventure, there is a ticket just for you. Questions about the tickets are always welcome here in the Live Video and of course on the wall of the group at all times. We will have a few more discussions about the tickets before they go on sale so that we can make sure to be able to answer all of your questions before you log into Breyer’s website and push the purchase now button!