Pick Your Ponies for a Night at the Races

Beef, beer, horse racing, raffle chances, a silent auction and a bake sale are all combined into one big night to benefit Phoenix Hose Hook and Ladder Co., No. 1

On March 26, doors will open at 6 p.m. for a Night at the Races fundraiser at the fire company. Many local businesses get involved, and even attendees can expect a night of fun for a bargain price.

“It’s our largest single day fundraiser,” said Beth Meadows, a firefighter and EMT with the company.

If you’re not familiar with the Night at the Races concept, there are 12 horse races shown throughout the night, with 10 horses in each. It’s $10 to sponsor a horse, and if your horse wins, you score $50. There’s one winner for every race. Attendees can bet on the horses, as well.

In addition to the racing, Meadows said the event also includes a beef and beer, with food from Foresta’s Market. Attendees will also find a silent auction, and local businesses donate goods. Basket raffles and a bake sale top off the event.

For businesses who want to get involved, you can sponsor a horse, purchase an ad in the Night at the Races booklet or sponsor the event itself for $500. It’s $50 to sponsor one of the 12 races, and all ad requests must be in by Tuesday to make the booklet. There are various sponsorship levels available.

Or the silent auction you’ll find everything from drill sets to gift cards, and the fire company itself offers up a basket of cheer.

“There are all different thing to win,” Meadows said.

Along with everything else going on, attendees may get a few chuckles out of the names given to horses by owners. Meadows said the names are often funny.

“Sometimes there are crazy, crazy names,” she said.

Then there’s the game of stumping the announcer. Meadows’ sister and brother-in-law used Swedish names, which may leave announcers tongue-tied.

In the past, Meadows has heard a lot of good feedback on the annual event.

“Everyone loves it,” Meadows said. “We do it a little bit differently than other local places because we have the beef and beer.”

If You Go:

Where: , 177 Church St., Phoenixville

When: Sat., March 26, doors open at 6 p.m., races start at 7 p.m.

Cost: $12 in advance or $15 at the door; $10 to sponsor a horse; must be 21 or older

For Tickets or Information: Call 610-933-9717.