The Inventory Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in the Netherlands contains ICH of which the communities, groups or individuals involved have written a safeguarding plan. Those plans are reviewed by an independent review committee. Every three years an evaluation of the safeguarding takes place.

Description

On the Tuesday after Whitsun, a harness racing event takes place every year on the Kerkweg in Venhuizen. In Venhuizen it is called the Whit Tuesday and has the title 'Whit 3'. The third Whit Tuesday is the conclusion of a festival weekend during the fair days in Venhuizen with many performances by artists. From 7 am starts the construction of the short track with a length of 300 meters. At the same time, the fences, sound system and LED screens are placed to let the visitors follow the harness race from start to finish.

Next to the racetrack is a fully decorated party area where about 2500 visitors come. At Whit 3, this party area is used for the children's programme and the totalisator. In the morning, an extensive children's programme is held with various performances by artists, local and national, for the age group up to 16 years. This activity is a regular prelude to harness race. To add lustre to the Whit 3, the inhabitants of Venhuizen put out the flag, not only along the track but also in other streets. It is a holiday that is enjoyed by the whole village. Schools are closed to give children the opportunity to attend the holiday. Employees living within the village also get time off from companies outside the village. The widely read 'Whit 3' newspaper, with a foreword by the mayor, contains all the information about the harness race.

Prior to the race, the circumstances are discussed and the Short Track League official, in consultation with the chairman of the jury, ensures that the track has been laid out correctly and safely for horses, drivers and public. In addition, the chairman of the jury consults with drivers and the veterinarian as to whether the race can be ridden, given the weather conditions (e.g., strong wind, heavy rain, heat). These matters are included in the safety plan. The local vet will be present to make sure the horses can take part in the short track in a healthy and responsible way. The prize-giving ceremony takes place in the Dutch Reformed Church. This monumental church is also used as a cultural meeting place for the community.

Community

The board of the harness race association organises the race and directs the various committees. There is a committee for PR, for sponsorship and finances, for construction and dismantling. And a technical committee. The committees start their activities in November until a month after the race. In addition to the board, many volunteers work on the organisation of the event prior to the day, during the day itself and the completion afterwards.

Many inhabitants of the village, but also from the region, come to watch the harness race. The public can follow the race on the east side of the track and at the finish the public can stand on both sides of the track. Admission is free for both the morning programme and the short track in the afternoon. Every inhabitant of the village, from large to small, is thus financially enabled to participate in all parts.

History

The Venhuizen Harness Race has existed since November 1960. There is little information found about the harness race before 1960. From a message in the Purmerend newspaper of August 4 and 11, 1869, it is known that on the Buurt in Venhuizen at the inn 'De vergulde Baars' a harness race was held. It is not mentioned whether it was a mounted or a harness race event. The first harness race in Venhuizen after the establishment was held on the Tuesday after Whitsun in 1961. Until 1987 there was harness racing on the land of Klaas Bruin but in 1988 the race moved to the Westerbuurt, a paved track. From then on, the race was less dependent on the weather. In 1997, at the harness race, on the land of a local farmer, a fairground tent was placed with various fairground attractions. 

In 2019, the harness racing event was moved to the Kerkweg, in the middle of the village near the residential area. A fairground tent could be placed next to the ice rink with various fairground attractions. It turned out to be a hit, with an enormous increase in visitors.

Ever since its establishment in 1960, the children's programme, held from 10.30 am to 1.30 pm, has been a permanent part of the day. In the past decades, technology has also made its appearance. The finish registration is no longer done by eye but digitally. There is video registration of the rides, and the spectators can follow the race on LED screens in several places. In recent years, besides the totalisator on the grounds, digital betting has also been made possible via modern media. Safety of drivers, horses and public has always been a priority over the years.

Safeguarding

Safeguard actions

2020-2023

  • Speeches are held for the Venhuizen business club. Here, an explanation is given of what the harness racing event means to the community, the heritage and what both parties can do for each other.
  • The promotion committee will be expanded with at least three people to be able to approach private individuals and companies to support the harness race.
  • The 'friends of the harness race' will be set up.
  • There will be a monthly newsletter about the current state of affairs of the harness race.
  • Before April 1, 2021, a teaching programme will be developed about intangible cultural heritage, in which the harness race is central. Contact is being sought with the historical association on this matter. They want to cooperate with the harness race association on this.
  • In the two schools in Venhuizen, information is given in groups 7 and 8. The content will be discussed with the historical society.
  • All available information will be handed over to the historical society (reports, film, and photos).
  • There is an annual consultation with the four harness races (Venhuizen, Wognum, Enkhuizen and Medemblik). The four harness races provide an annual driver-prize for the ridden harness racing events in the four municipalities.
  • A joint umbrella 'large' sponsor for the four regional harness races is sought.
  • There is cooperation with the ice club concerning the use of the club's building and outdoor areas.
  • Cooperation in materials and goods: laying the track, fences, sound, and LED screens.
  • New residents in the village will be approached to become members/donors.
  • At least four newsletters will be sent out and a flyer will be produced that will be placed in strategic locations in the region (town halls, libraries, sports clubs).
  • Twice a year there will be a meeting with the municipality and representatives of the safety region, a preparatory meeting, and an evaluation meeting.
  • The Friday before the harness racing day, a special evening will be organised for all private persons and sponsors, including a small auction for the children's programme.

Contact

Harddraverijvereniging Venhuizen
Venhuizen