There’s only one key to enjoying Preakness Day: preparation.
From the infield revelers to the horse trainers to the hatted ladies, everyone attending the 133rd running of the Preakness Stakes gets ready in his or her own way.
The Giant Food store on York Road has a huge job — three of their florists are assembling the “black-eyed Susan” blanket that is draped over the shoulders of the Preakness winner. More than 1,500 fresh-cut Viking mums (black-eyed Susans don’t bloom in Maryland until June) will be used for the project, which will take three hours to assemble.
“Preakness is a big part of the local history of Baltimore. [Creating the blanket] is part of Giant’s long history of being a part of the community that we serve,” said Jamie Miller, public affairs manager for Giant Food LLC.
Pennsylvania resident Vin DiDonna, 25, is traveling to Maryland for the first time to spend Preakness day on the infield. “I’ve never gone before. I’ve only heard how much fun the entire day is,” he said. “I’ve heard that Preakness is the type of event that you have to experience at least once.”
DiDonna, who is traveling to Baltimore with 12 of his friends, started preparing for his experience at Preakness a few weeks ago. “Whenever you tell someone who has been to Preakness that you are going to Preakness, they all respond with, ‘It’s a great time. My only suggestion is …’ followed by 20 suggestions,” DiDonna said. “For us, we made sure we had the three B’s: blankets, beach chairs and beers.”
Preakness ticket holders aren’t the only ones preparing for the big day. Nancy Hinds, vice president of public affairs at Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association, said many businesses look forward to Preakness because it’s a chance to showcase Baltimore to out-of-town clients. “It’s a great opportunity for businesses to build strong relationships with clients. And it’s so much stronger when you can bring them into the city and let them experience Baltimore firsthand. It’s a wonderful way to generate future business for the city.”
Races being held on Preakness Day.
Post time is 10:30 a.m.
The Preakness Stakes ($1 million purse)
The Dixie ($250,000 purse)
Allaire duPont Distaff ($150,000 purse)
Maryland Sprint ($100,000 purse)
Gallorette ($100,000 purse)
Hirsch Jacobs ($100,000 purse)
Barbaro ($100,000 purse)
Baltimore City Turf Sprint ($100,000 purse)
Skipat ($75,000 purse)
Deputed Testamony ($35,000 purse)
