One of the world's largest horse events returns to Columbus

Galloping the news: Saturday kicks off the nearly monthlong event that includes a horse show and trade show with events through Oct. 24.

What's inside: More than 650,000 visitors are expected to attend and generate $159 million in spending at area businesses like hotels and restaurants, per Experience Columbus.

• Over 28,000 horse show entries will compete for $5+ million in cash and prizes.
• Nearly 200 trade show exhibitors set up shop across 20 acres.
• Dozens of teams participate in collegiate and youth judging competitions.

Marquee events include pro horsemen competitions, freestyle reining (choreographed routines to music), professional bull riding and the Congress Queen contest.

Flashback: The Ohio Quarter Horse Association has held its marquee event in Columbus since 1967.

• In the decades since, it's grown into one of the largest events of its kind in the world.
• Its presence has led to tens of millions of dollars spent on Expo Center upgrades like 1,000 permanent stalls and a 39,000-square-foot riding arena.

🚧 Between the exits: Thousands of horse trailers and visitors will stress the infrastructure of an area notorious for traffic slowdowns around big events.

• Much of 17th Avenue near the fairgrounds is already closed and won't open until after the congress — avoid it unless you're attending.
• Don't be surprised if I-71 gets congested in the area on busy days.

If you go: General admission is free.

• Special events are ticketed.
• Daily parking is $15 Monday-Tuesday, free Wednesday, $25 Thursday-Sunday or $75 for the full event.