As Summer fades, her veil of haze lifted to reveal the clearest azure skies, fall settles in, trees ablaze with color, and we pull out our favorite sweaters in anticipation of crisp autumnal air. And here in the Chattahoochee Valley, another anticipation grows as day's light diminishes. November is nigh...
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by Calista Sprague
The turn of the calendar to November heralds the donning of hats, packing of picnics and the thunderous galloping of hooves. Some families spent the past year outlining master plans for the ultimate tailgate display, some will create elaborate, gourmet spreads for a multitude of relatives and friends, while others simply can’t wait to jump in the car with the kids and head out for a day of fun, no assembly required.
This year ‘Chase enthusiasts will notice some improvements to The Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens’ events and surroundings. For families who relish the race, most noticeable will be the completely redesigned Terrace Area with larger boxes and enhanced views. Also the winners’ circle now sits across the track nearer the boxes, allowing spectators to better share in the excitement of the award ceremonies.
In the market for a new car? This year The Steeplechase will hold a raffle, and the winner will drive away in an Acura TL 2009 luxury 4-door Sedan, courtesy of Acura of Columbus. “Your chances of winning a $34,000 car are 1 in a 1,000!” Steeplechase Executive Director Jenn Agnew said excitedly. Tickets can be purchased on the Steeplechase website and at the Acura dealership and will also be available on race day before the 3:30 drawing.
But for families with young children, it’s all about the infield.
“We are really focusing on making this a family-friendly event,” explained 2008 Race Director Claudia Garrard. In response to requests from several parents, Garrard and her army of volunteers are implementing some major changes for the infield this year.“New for 2008, we have the Kid’s Corral,” announced Agnew. “We wanted to simplify things so parents can pay one price and have their kids entertained.” With a $15 wristband, kids ages 3 through 10 gain access to an enclosed area with inflatables, popcorn, cotton candy, ice cream and more. In partnership with CSU’s Continuing Education, students will set up tables and do arts and crafts with the children. All the activities within the Kid’s Corral will be included in the price of the wristband and children can come and go throughout the day.
“Another thing in the infield that children and families would like are the terrier races,” Garrard mentioned. “We have held the terrier races for many years, and they are loads of fun to watch. The kids love it.” “In the infield, we also have food vendors, pony rides, rock-wall climbing and the moonwalk,” Agnew listed.
Your pint-size jockey-wanna-bes can get in on the track action, too. “Last year we added the Stick Pony Race, which was very popular and I think will be a big hit again,” Garrard said. For a small entry fee, children sign up and race on the track in heats grouped by age. ‘Chase organizers will again supply the stick horses and the novice jockeys will receive sashes and buttons to wear.
“And of course Steeplechase is a great opportunity for children to see a live horse race,” said Garrard. “I don’t know of any other place in the surrounding area where they can do that.” Thoroughbred horses and their professional jockeys will race around the track, jumping hurdles at break-neck speeds for a total purse of $215,000, the fourthlargest purse nationwide.
“Reserved Rail is awesome for children,” Agnew suggested, “because you can actually park your car right up by the infield rail and tailgate. It’s really fun for the children to see the horses go by when they are right at the rail.”
Infield tickets start at $25 and many different ticket packages are available. Proceeds benefit arts organizations in the Chattahoochee Valley. Agnew encourages families to visit the Steeplechase website, steeplechaseatcallaway.org, which includes detailed information about tickets, group packages and event offerings. For many months Agnew, Garrard and scores of volunteers have planned, worked and schemed to coordinate this epic annual event that they say is “just a fun family day in the country.”
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