Karl Koon, event producer and assistant to event creator Abigail Wexner, said the Sept. 27 event would have more activities for children in addition to the 30 professional riders and show jumpers who will compete for more than $80,000 in prizes.

"A lot of what we've done this year is really focused on engaging children with more fun activities," Koon said.

He said the event would feature carnival rides, animal exhibits by both the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium and The Wilds, members of local sports teams, face-painting and temporary tattoos, among other things.

"American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks will perform as the Tween Brands headliner, following a performance by Disney recording artist and "Hannah Montana" star Mitchel Musso.

The concert will start at 11:30 a.m., followed by the equine events at 1:30 p.m. -- earlier than in previous years to account for the Jewish Holiday Yom Kippur that begins at sundown.

Koon said the Classic provides a great day of entertainment for local families.

"It is really a great opportunity for them to spend an inexpensive day," he said. "It's really gotten quite a reputation over the years."

The event has generated more than $16-million for the Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence, which Wexner founded in 1998.

Koon said Wexner's event has hosted more than 100,000 people over the years. Nearly 12,000 people are expected at this year's event alone.

"Abigail is a horse woman," Koon said. "She has horses that are on the Grand Prix circuit. It was her way of combining the things that she is very passionate about."

Coalition president Karen Days said she is excited about the classic.

"Each year, I am always excited about showing a day that has such good feelings and spirit around family," she said. "We deal so much around the ugly side of what happens in a family. I am moved every year by the kids and the family fun."

The Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence looks at systemic change and provides services and training in the areas of health care, business, education, legal systems, the business and faith communities and victim services.

"We don't provide direct service to victims of family violence," Days said. "We try to make the systems around the victims more appropriately responsible."

With the money raised from this year's classic, Days said, the organization would be able to plan for 2010.

She said the coalition is trying to finish and unveil a new multimedia, interactive project to law-enforcement officers to address family violence.

Days said she also hopes to expand the organization's work within three more Columbus public schools. The coalition currently works in 11 Columbus schools on the west side.

"This is our biggest fundraiser," she said. "It helps us plan."

Days said the New Albany Classic generates about $1-million a year for the coalition. The organization's annual operating budget for its outreach initiatives is $800,000.

Koon said he is looking forward to the event.

"It is a big country fair is how I always like to describe it," he said. "We continue to change it up every year and make it more fun. Every year, it never ceases to deliver a great day."

Those interested in purchasing tickets should visit www.thenewalbanyclassic.com. Tickets cost $15 for adults, and children ages 12 and younger are admitted for free. Tickets may be purchased online or at the Easton Town Center information desk, New Albany Realty on Market Street and Equus Now! In Lewis Center.

gmartineau@thisweeknews.com