Fall Fun in the Country
by Calista Sprague
Why attend Steeplechase? “There are so many reasons to come, it would be hard to narrow it down,” answered Jenny Adams, this year’s race director. “Of course it’s a great sporting event, but it’s also a really great family day in the country.” And that it is.
Set at Callaway Gardens in picturesque Pine Mountain, Steeplechase promises families fresh air and something fun for everyone, young and old. “We have really tried to improve activities and entertainment that we offer to families who want to come and enjoy a beautiful fall day outside,” Adams said. In addition to old favorites for the kids, such as pony rides and face painting, Adams and the other Steeplechase staff members have a few new plans in the works.
“One of the things that we are really excited about this year — we’re going to have stick pony races,” Adams announced. Children preschool age and up can enter, and a horse will be provided for them. “Anyone who participates walks away with a beanie horse and a button showing that they participated. We think it’s just going to be great fun.” The heats will be divided into age categories to give even the littlest ones a chance at the winner’s circle. “We’re hoping to run the finals on the track in front of the terrace boxes to provide some great entertainment for folks and great fun for the kids.”
Older children enjoy the rock-climbing wall and blacksmith demonstrations, but everyone loves the Jack Russell Terrier races.“Families think the Jack Russells are just grand,” Adams smiled. Parents and children cheer as the peppy pooches run and jump through a miniature Steeplechase course.
With so much to do, folks sometimes rush to arrive early, but according to Adams there is plenty of time. “It’s not like if you don’t get in by 11 a.m., you’re going to miss it. Families can come in at a leisurely pace, set up their tailgate, have a bite to eat, visit with friends and still get to enjoy just about all the activities.”
Parents appreciate the opportunity to just let their children run around in a safe environment. “Not many families picnic these days, and this is a great way to do that and to just enjoy some quality time—just wandering around, seeing other families, gathering with folks. This is a nice way to get to enjoy one another on a fall day and to be together as families. All of the infield activities are designed for parents and children to interact.”
To take advantage of the infield fun, families often opt to pack up the car, pull into the infield and tailgate for the day. Some throw in some sandwiches and carrot sticks, but others go all out. “That’s one of the best things to me about Steeplechase is the variety of ways in which people choose to celebrate the day,” Adams explained. “You’ll find folks that bring Chick-fil-A nuggets and hotdogs, and folks who are bringing Grandma’s silver and caviar. They might be sitting right next to one another. And that to me is the best part of the day — that kind of variety and camaraderie.”
The tailgating competition inspires families to set up elaboratespreads. Winners are chosen in various categories, such as Most Festive, Most Frou-frou and Most Southern Flair. Children love to help plan and compete. And if your family has plans to take in the races from a box, you can participate in the Best Box competition, new to this year’s ‘Chase.
But Adams advises parents to keep preparation to a minimum. “I recommend they think about making it easy on themselves. This is about enjoying time with your family and friends. It’s not about trying to layer a 7-layer dip onsite. It’s about pulling out the Tupperware, opening a bag of Scoops and digging in and enjoying yourself. Let somebody else do the cooking. We’ve got a lot of caterers and work with restaurants who offer special Steeplechase baskets and so you can even go pick up your food on the way to the race site. Just pack a cooler of ice and some drinks and you’ll be ready to relax and enjoy yourself.” Barbeque, funnel cakes and beverages will be available at Taste of the Chase for those who prefer to travel light.
With all the fun, it’s easy to forget what Steeplechase is really about — the horses. Adams says that aside from all the other activities, children and parents “just enjoy the thrill of the races themselves. Thoroughbred horseracing is not something a lot of kids get to see very often.”
Come for the art exhibits and blacksmith demonstrations. Come for the music and pageantry. Come for the food and camaraderie. Come for the chance to don cowboy boots and denim. Come to compete in the tailgating, best box or best hat competitions. Come for the pony rides and terrier races. Come for the thrill of thoroughbred horseracing. Whatever draws you and your family to the ‘Chase, come prepared for fun.
