On Saturday, Aug. 8, ‘Harness Racing’s Greatest Day’ is coming to the Meadowlands Racetrack, as the 101st Hambletonian heads to the region. Doors open at 10 a.m., with the first race scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. Admission to the event is $5 and includes a commemorative Hambletonian hat for both adults and children.
There will be several major harness races taking place throughout the day, though, the most significant of them is the $1 million Hambletonian. However, with over $1.5 million in purse money from additional races, the Meadowlands Racetrack is in store for an entertaining day.
For additional entertainment, there will be a hat contest taking place with $1,000 in prize money up for grabs, urging guests to bring out their creative side. The winner will receive $500, while second place receives $250, third place receives $100 and fourth place receives $50. There is also a $100 prize for the fanciest hat.
Another contest will be taking place throughout the day, with even more money at stake, as there will be a best dressed concert featuring a $1,000 grand prize. Ten lucky guests will be chosen to participate in the final round of judging, with a chance to walk away with the grand prize.
There will also be carnival games, inflatable, axe throwing and more to provide even more entertainment for guests. Prior to the races starting, there will be a FanZone Tent, where drivers and trainers will be signing autographs, as well as free merch giveaways all throughout the day.
After a day filled with entertainment, guests are sure to build up an appetite, which can be satisfied with the many food trucks that will be in attendance. From Clyde’s Homemade Ice Cream and Italian Ice to Latin Bites to Lots of Meat BBQ, there are plenty of options for guests to choose from. The Meadowlands Racetrack also has its own dining options, which are located throughout the venue and can be found on their website.
Switching from food to beverages, Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment collaborated with Ghost Hawk Brewing to create a Golden Ale that commemorates the 101st Hambletonian. The event’s featured cocktail is a combination of blood orange vodka, lemonade and cranberry. Guests can also receive a commemorative Hambletonian 101 glass when purchasing the drink.
As the Meadowlands Racetrack celebrates the 101st Hambletonian, it marks another rendition of the region’s biggest day in racing of the year. The event offers plenty of entertainment for guests to enjoy and delicious foods to indulge in as they watch the races.
To learn more about the event, visit https://playmeadowlands.com/event/hambletonian-day/.