When the Preakness Stakes Race made its debut at “Old Hilltop” on May 23, 1873, a feisty, 3-year old won easily by 10 lengths. His name was Survivor. Who among the cheering 12,000 gathered could have known how appropriately auspicious a victory this would be? Preakness, at Baltimore?s beloved Pimlico Racetrack, has not only survived 131 years, it has flourished over time. This yearly spring event, the second jewel in horse racing?s Triple Crown, garners national attention.
And as Pimlico Racetrack celebrates its 135th anniversary this season, and prepares for the 131st running of the Preakness Stakes Race on May 20, another yearly city and areawide ritual begins in its honor ? Preakness Celebration!
Preakness Celebration Inc. was established in 1988 with the goal of producing a weeklong series of events that would not only enhance the Preakness race, but would involve community support while entertaining residents and visitors. In addition, the celebration generates a positive economic impact to the city, region and state. As a nonprofit organization, it also supports various area charities each year, including the Disabled Jockeys Fund.
Dennis Castleman, Director of the Maryland Office of Tourism, serves as a board member for Preakness Celebration Inc.
“The festivities are a very family-oriented celebration,” he said. “And with a mixture of events, there is a whole week of things to do.”
Saturday at 9:00 a.m., the Preakness 5K Run/Walk gets underway at Pimlico Race Track. An entry fee of $35 will be required for the 3.1 mile race which starts at Pimlico Road and ends at the infield of the race course. Cash prizes will be awarded. For more information, visit www.charmcityrun.com.
Who doesn?t love a parade? Tracy Baskerville, Communications Director at the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, comments that it is a great way to kick off a week of activities. “I plan to be there,” she adds.
The Westside Preakness Parade kicks off at 11 a.m. today at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Eutaw Street. Marching bands, floats and military units will grace what is considered the city?s most spectacular parade of the year.
Throughout the week leading up to Preakness post time, events will include Miller Lite Nites, featuring three free concerts Wednesday, May 17 at 5 p.m., Thursday, May 18 at 7 p.m. and Friday, May 19 at 11 p.m at Power Plant Live, 34 Market Place. A jewel of a party consists of the Preakness Eve Balloon Glow over the Inner Harbor Friday, May 19 at 8 p.m. followed by fireworks at 9 p.m.
“The [Preakness] Race is great and iconic,” concludes Castleman, “but the celebration is something everyone can share in.”
