by
john manzi for Historic Track
During
the 2015 season in an effort to raise needed funds, the not-for profit Goshen
Historic Track embarked on a fundraiser centered around the running of the
Kentucky Derby. Even as a late entity the National Historic Landmark attracted
70 patrons, who not only enjoyed the race card at Louisville, Ky., but were
treated to food and cocktails throughout the afternoon.
This
year, again, the world’s oldest harness track scheduled another Derby Day
festivity fund-raiser.
“The
Derby Day party works out real well for us since those who attend can also wager on the races in Kentucky at an
off-track location at Delancey’s Restaurant, which is adjacent to Historic
Track,” noted Tim Masters, the tracks supervisor who was the impetus behind the
project.
But
Masters wasn’t alone in producing the Derby Day projects. Joining him were Linda Meyer, secretary to
the Board; Georgia Baker, who assists Meyer in the track office and Roger Dowd,
who runs the track website and supplied invaluable news releases to help make
the day a success.
And
this season, with a few changes in venue, more than 165 supporters of Historic
Track turned out on May 7th which was more than a one hundred
percent increase over last year’s offering. And it’s safe to say that everyone
had a good time.
“With
an entertaining live band and plenty of food and drinks we think we have a
winning combination,” added Board Member
Tony Statuto who attended the afternoon fun along with his wife and two
daughters. “Hopefully the numbers will grow in following years and we can
continue to raise needed money for Historic Track.”
This
year’s festivities also marked the second annual Derby Day Hat Contest which
attracted 25 contestants, almost double the number of participants from last
year.
All
the action took place under a big tent which was set-up on the racetrack with
four huge television sets tethered to the poles underneath the tent. Tables
were set up and the TVs could be viewed from any seat.
“If
this year is any indication, hopefully we can look forward to even bigger
attendances as the word gets out about the fun-filled afternoon program we
offer on Kentucky Derby Day,” noted George Casale, the track’s Board of
Directors vice president, who along with
his family and friends added 12 people to the afternoon crowd.
“It’s no secret that Historic Track needs all the funds we can get to continue in this ever changing world.”
“We had all the seats filled this year and we
got a lot of compliments from those who attended,” Masters added. “Next year
we’ll probably need two tents.”
