by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — For the third consecutive year, Monticello Raceway will have a special Sunday race card on Dec. 18. Post time will be at the usual 12:25 p.m.

“As we’ve done over the past few seasons the special Sunday card has been added so we can present the Children’s Holiday Party,” said Shawn Wiles, the track’s assistant general manager.

The Fabulous Holiday Party, for children toddler to 12 years of age, will be run in conjunction with the racing program that afternoon. The party, which is free for all children, will begin at 1 p.m. and continue until 5 p.m.

“We have it from good sources that Santa himself will be on hand to talk to the children,” noted Alan Schwartz, the president of the Monticello Harness Horsemen’s Association. “The Monticello Raceway horsemen will be taking the attending children on a magical make believe journey to the North Pole where they will visit with and have photos taken with Santa and his Elves in Snowy Candy Cane Land. There will also be various games to play and the youngsters can have their faces made-up by a professional face painter. And Elvis will be in the building!”

The party, which will be on the third floor of the grandstand, will once again be sponsored by the Monticello Harness Horsemen’s Association and by Monticello Casino and Raceway.