A special Sunday race card was added for the fourth annual
Free Fabulous Holiday Party for the children which was sponsored by the
Monticello Harness Horsemen’s Association and Monticello Raceway and Casino.
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| Children join Diablo and Bruce Aldrich Jr. after his win as they await Santa (Geri Schwartz Photo) |
It all began with the Candy Cane Pace in race number two
where a 100 or so children joined driver Bruce Aldrich, Jr. after he won the
event with Diablo. As the kids passed through the gate into the
winners circle raceway horsemen handed each a candy cane filled with M
& M chocolates as they awaited the arrival of Santa. And they
weren’t disappointed.
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| Santa Arrives (Geri Schwartz Photo) |
When the grandstand loud speakers blurted Gene Autry’s
version of ‘Here Comes Santa Claus’ as the jolly ole gent made his way to
the winners circle on a sulky pulled by a white horse the children
began to cheer. Once there Santa greeted the children and then they all went
upstairs to the third floor of the grandstand to partake in the activities of
the special day.
Elvis’ Lost brother, Eric Bressi, who has volunteered his
time each year the holiday party was presented, did a tremendous job
entertaining the multitude with songs made famous by the King of Rock N Roll
and he handled the master of ceremonies chores, the giveaways and the
presentations masterfully.
“According to Mrs. Dale Berensen, executive secretary of the
horsemen’s association, this year’s crowd was the biggest yet.
“This the fourth year that we’ve had this day for the local
children and each year the crowd size doubles. Kids, parents, grandparents and
even great grandparents joined in the festivities.
“We gave away 13 bicycles and over 200 fabulous games much
to the delight of the children. It was a wonderful fabulous day.”
“As we’ve done over the past few seasons the Sunday card was
mainly for one specific purpose. We don’t usually race on Sunday afternoons but
we add this special racing program so our horsemen can hold the Holiday Party
for the children, ” noted Alan Schwartz, president of the Monticello Harness
Horsemen’s Association.”
The party was for all children from toddler to 12 years of
age was held on the third floor of the track’s grandstand. It was decorated to
the nines, and to the delight of the children, the room was transformed into a
wonderland North Pole.
Every child got a chance to visit with Santa and they had
their photo taken with old St. Nick. And each received numerous presents. There
were various games to play and everyone had a wonderful time.
There was also a petting zoo and face painting by a
professional and of course 10 exciting harness races.
