Belmont hosts fall festival

Along with the final weekend of its fall thoroughbred racing season, Belmont Park in nearby Elmont will host its annual ode to the Empire State, the New York Showcase Fall Festival, on the penultimate weekend of October.
This year, the weekend tribute to New York, on Saturday, October 20 and Sunday, October 21, will take a glamorous turn and showcase a “championship filly,” Miss New York USA, Gloria Almonte.
The festival is devoted to the state’s horse Breeding & Racing Program yet also features a wide array of products and services indigenous to the Empire State. Visitors will have a chance to sample the best from local and statewide agricultural producers, like homemade fudge, BBQ sauce, jams, jellies and much more, such as arts & crafts and other exhibitions.
In the historic track’s “backyard,” kids can get into the fall spirit with a host of games and activities, including face-painting, inflatable “bounce rides” and pumpkin decorating.
Saturday’s activities will include a Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, live music by “Rockjunky” and family fun activities including hay rides.
On Sunday, the Islip Horsemen’s Association Long Island Drill Team will demonstrate its skills as more than two dozen horses execute intricate maneuvers on the main track.
The weekend promises a satisfying mix of music, food and fun under the grandstand, and by the way, an exhilarating schedule of races on the track.
Anchored by seven New York-bred stakes races on Saturday, with combined purses of more than $1 million, New York Showcase Day will be highlighted by the 32nd running of the $250,000 Empire Classic, for three-year-olds and up.
Almonte will be in the Winner’s Circle to present trophies following each race.
The Showcase also serves as a reminder that the thoroughbred racing industry contributes more than $2 billion annually to New York’s urban and rural economy and employs more than 40,000 people across the state.
Gates open both days at 11 a.m. and post-time for the first race is 1 p.m.
For more information about the New York Showcase Fall Festival, please visit the New York Racing Association website, www.nyra.com.