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Local Feature  Posted on: 07/22/09 Written by: , email: Open house is a day to horse around at Saratoga Saratoga Race Course is an institution, but Ed Lewi recognizes not everyone has been there. So, Lewi dreamed up an idea to introduce people to the track, which opened in 1864. “I thought, there should be some kind of event people could come to to get a feel for the track without paying,” said Lewi, whose public relations firm, Ed Lewi Associates, handles marketing and promotions for the track. The track held its first open house nearly 30 years ago and has done so every year since. The annual pre-season preview party is set for Sunday, July 26, this year. Everything is free except for the food, which is sold by local nonprofits. Lewi wanted to make the event family friendly, an idea that has endured. Held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the open house will feature carnival games, music, circus shows and a pet walk. “We try to add new things every year,” Lewi said, noting that face painting and pony rides have become popular. Also popular are backstretch tours that give guests a glimpse into the inner workings of the track. The tours will run every half hour beginning at 11 a.m. at the clubhouse entrance. People can also get an idea of how to wager at the track with handicapping seminars that are offered throughout the day in the Paddock Pavilion. Handicappers Nick Kling and Tom Amello and Julie Hoxsie, a thoroughbred breeder, licensed thoroughbred trainer and the associate producer of Off Track Betting’s Down the Stretch, will explain strategies for picking winners. Some of the days other highlights include: • The National Steeplechase Association will hold five races – four jump races and a turf race – along with a luncheon on the dining terrace and box area for race sponsors and patrons of the event. The races will be held at 1:30, 2:05, 2:40, 3:15 and 3:50 p.m. • The Children’s Museum of Science and Technology will bring its Leaping Lizards and Rocking Reptiles exhibit to the track for shows under the Carousel at 11:15 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m. and 3 p.m. • The Islip Horsemen’s Association Long Island Drill Team will demonstrate its moves and skills as more than a dozen horses execute intricate pinwheels, circles and V formations. The team will perform on the main track at 11:15 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. • The Best in Show Pet Walk will take place near the Union Avenue gate from noon. to 2:30 p.m. • Captain Squeeze & The Zydeco Moshers, a strolling swing jazz band, will walk the grounds playing jazz music, while Mark Rabin performs cover songs from acts such as Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Elvis Presley and The Beatles underneath the bandstand. • Local sports teams’ mascots will take part in the sixth annual mascot race. Participants include the veteran Rowdy the River Rat and newcomers Spike the Albany Firebird and Phlex the Adirondack Phantom. While Lewi’s idea was to draw newcomers to the track, he said the open house is popular with regulars as well. It’s hard to get an exact number on how many people attend each year since there’s no admission charge, but Lewi said organizers can “tell very quickly” when people are visiting the track for the first time. “We have an information booth, and they’ll come over and ask, ‘What kind of racing are you having today?’” he said. Newcomer or not, guests give the open house high marks, Lewi said. “People love it. First of all, they walk through the gate and don’t have to pay,” he said. “And then there’s such a variety of things for them to do.” The track is at 267 Union Ave. in Saratoga Springs. You can contact with any questions. Also, feel free to post comments below. Comments powered by Disqus |
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