Baltimore Mayor Dixon Joins Preakness Celebration to Announce Preakness Week Events
Baltimore's Jewel - The Preakness - Takes the Stage
(BALTIMORE - May 3, 2008) - Mayor Sheila Dixon joined representatives from Maryland Preakness Celebration, Inc., and the Maryland Jockey Club yesterday at Pimilico Race Course to announce the calendar of events for Preakness Week 2008. The Preakness Stakes, the middle jewel of thoroughbred racing’s prestigious Triple Crown series, will take place Saturday, May 17 at historic Pimlico Race Course.
“The Preakness brings the national and international spotlight to Baltimore,” Mayor Dixon said. “Our city is fortunate to have so many people who generously invest their time and treasure to put great events like this together.”
“This year will mark not only the 20th anniversary of the Preakness Celebration, but also offer another great series of festivities for the City of Baltimore and State of Maryland,” said Mark Friedman, acting president of Preakness Celebration. “We look forward to celebrating with the community at this year’s exciting festival of events as we count down the days to the Preakness.”
Preakness week officially kicks off tonight with Preakness First Friday, a free live concert featuring Marshall Crenshaw at The Can Company in Canton from 6-9 p.m. The following week, Friday, May 9, The Crawdaddies will rock the house live at Belvedere Square’s “And They’re Off!”
One week before the state’s signature race, Saturday, May 10, Preakness Celebration will stage the 35th annual Preakness Parade at 11:00 a.m. in downtown Baltimore along Pratt Street. Helium balloon characters, floats, marching bands, military units and equestrians will take to Pratt Street along the Inner Harbor in a time honored and beloved Baltimore tradition for the entire family.
The week wraps up with the crowd-pleasing Preakness Balloon Festival, presented by WCBM Radio Talk Radio AM 680 at Turf Valley Resort in Howard County, returning for the second consecutive year following its successful debut in 2007. On Thursday, May 15 and Friday, May 16 adults and children of all ages will enjoy crafts and entertainment, refreshments, games and more as they watch balloons launch and fly.
Tethered balloon rides are available for daring fans and ground tours for those enjoying a more earth-bound experience. At dusk, up to 20 balloons in unique shapes and colors will thrill fans as they light up the skies with a spectacular glow. A final launch will happen Preakness morning. Balloon Festival events are only possible if weather permits.
The week wraps up with “Twas the Night Before Preakness,” as Grammy nominee Ryan Shaw headlines a live concert at Harbor East.
Preakness Celebration events are free and open to the public. Visit www.preaknesscelebration.com for more information.
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