PRESS RELEASE// - Colonial Downs "Grand Opening Celebration"
Colonial Downs has announced plans for its Grand Opening celebration, which will signify horse racing's return to Virginia after a lengthy hiatus. The Labor Day Weekend series of events will begin on Aug. 30 and continue through Sept. 1.
The excitement will start with the "Ultimate Beach Party" celebration, sponsored by Pepsi, on Saturday, Aug. 30 at 1 p.m. The Beach Party will feature several bands including the Embers, the Platters, the Association, and the Little River Band. The event takes place at the Colonial Downs Amphitheater, nestled in the heart of its beautiful 345-acre facility in rural Virginia.
Then, on Sept. 1, Virginia enthusiastically welcomes its new major league sport marked by the first day of racing at Colonial Downs. Gates will open at 10 a.m. with post times starting at 1 p.m. In order to celebrate the start of Colonial Downs' inaugural season, the race track is sponsoring the "Procession of Horses" which will feature several breeds of horses, old fashion horse carriages, and a host of Virginia dignitaries including Governor George Allen.
This significant event in Virginia's history will also be memorialized with exciting commencement activities like reenactment groups, historical and monumental demonstrations and exhibitions. These historical festivities will complement the Colonial Downs facility which is modeled after Virginia's rich architectural heritage.
"Colonial Downs is believed to be the only racecourse featuring a colonial brick grandstand in the country," said O.J. Peterson III, president of Colonial Downs. "We believe that it truly captures the essence of Virginia."
Special activities for children will include: opportunities to meet jockeys, trainers, and horses, as well as receive grab bags and free T-shirts on a first-come first-served basis.
"The variety of Grand Opening events stunningly compliments the much anticipated return of thoroughbred racing to Virginia," Peterson said. "This event is about horse racing Virginia -style. It's about families, horses and history."
Colonial Downs will also recognize and take part in "America's Day at the Races," a national celebration of horse racing at racecourses across the country. |
