This is a review about a standarbred horse race on the afternoon of the third Thursday of September…read moreeach year--the Little Brown Jug. It's held at the Delaware County Fairgrounds, complete with barkers, a ferris wheel, and games of chance/skill. 4H farm animals and monster pumpkin judging contests. It's all there for you, whether you like horse racing, or not.
A sleepy middle Ohio town, with beautiful architecture and not many big box chain stores, is transformed into a major league sports venue, where 50,000+ race fans descend to watch harness racing at its finest on a beautiful early fall day.
Pay the extra few bucks to sit on the backstretch bleachers, as they offer the best view, and easy access to your car (or RV) where you have your bbq and cooler.
**They let you bring your own beer into the racetrack!!!*** Let that sink in for a minute. Make sure you bring enough, as you will likely want to stay after the races, and nurse a couple before heading out.
The best food on the track is at the very top of the stretch, where they sell a shredded chicken sandwich (in rich mushroom broth) that is to die for. Made from real chicken meat, and not the deviled chicken you get in a can, it hits the spot. It's up to $3 a piece now, but well worth it. No one can eat just one--so order a bunch and get back to your backstretch perch, so you don't miss a race.
20-22 races a day, starting at 11 a.m., and going to 5 p.m. You can rub shoulders with the owners, trainers, and drivers (like jockeys, but bigger). You can go to the barns and pet the horses, talk to the caretakers, and just have a grand old time. I found an old adv. sign once that said "You'll meet old friends at the Fair." Just go one year, and you'll know what that means. ...and look for me in the winner's circle (whether I have a horse in the race or not).
Perhaps the only things you will remember are the epic utterings of the track announcer, Roger Huston. Among others, they include:
"Wa-a-a-a-a-a-a-ger Now, Don't Get Shut Out!"
"Three in a Row, In OH-Hi-Oh!"
...all I ever wanted is to go back to the Fair. It's there for all of us every year.