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The track is ready for today's Preakness Stakes. Are you?
BALTIMORE (Map, News) - 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.”
ecampbell@baltimoreexaminer.com
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Comments from Examiner Readers
6:11 PM MST on Mon., May. 19, 2008 re: "Toilet options abound at track"
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10:54 AM MST on Thu., May. 15, 2008
re: "It’s a one-track mind for this horse lover"
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10:18 AM MST on Wed., May. 7, 2008
re: "Will Preakness move? Analyst says ‘neigh’"
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8:30 PM MST on Fri., Oct. 19, 2007
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10:07 PM MST on Wed., Jun. 13, 2007
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1:27 PM MST on Mon., May. 21, 2007
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12:16 PM MST on Sat., May. 19, 2007
re: "Will Preakness move? Analyst says ‘neigh’"
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Danny Burns said:
I was at Pimlico this past weekend and the bathrooms were absolutely filthy. I was lucky enough to of had the opportunity to use the Insta-Wiz and it was magical. It provided full privacy and was much more sanitary than anything else out there. Thanks again Vin for coming up with the idea...you are truly a genius!!
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Rafael Alvarez fan said:
if the preakness leaves Baltimore, it's not the preakness now, is it?
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AMERICA CALLING said:
if i could move it i would maryland as it is today doesnt deserve it who wants to come to crime city to see a race of this type maryland voters have no class they elect jerks they cry about it then elect them again wake up people
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Examiner Reader said:
Move it. Baltimore and Maryland do not want this race. They prove it day-in and day-out. Besides, who wants to visit a tree-lined slum and attend a horse race? Shut down Pimlico and make it public housing. More votes for the demoncrats that way.
157 agree | 151 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Yes for Maryland slots. West Virginia sucks money from Virginia and Maryland. I hate to see Preakness move . It is good for jobs . Maryland deserves to have nice horse race facility with all bells and whistles like everybody else.
195 agree | 214 disagree
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Move Preakness Advocate said:
I have been going to Belmont for the last 7 years and have now been to the Preakness twice. Once in the infield and this last time in the GrandConcourseReserve. Aside from enjoying a few races and beers, I don’t think Pimlico is worthy of hosting the second leg of the Triple Crown. It's completely unsafe, both outside the stadium and inside the infield. The overpriced tickets are one thing, but the $70 to park is outright obnoxious! Not to mention it opens up the flood gates for some of the seediest characters looking to make a quick buck by turning their front lawn (or the abandoned lot next it) into a parking lot. I also think everything is priced so high just to keep some of these same people out of the Preakness. It would be one thing if the price of admission reflected condition of the stands and betting booths, but it just doesn’t- Pimlico is in dire need of a make over. Unfortunately, so is most of Baltimore because I've never seen so many boarded up houses in my life.
220 agree | 232 disagree
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BC said:
I can tell you unequivically, that if the Preakness were to move, the cause would be solely the responsibility of the track owners. They will do anything to get slots, including making threats to move the race.
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