by Kathy Wade-Vlaar, Standardbred Canada

Mississauga, ON — What do Olympian Mark Heese, the McCann Dog Stars, comedian Rob Pue and harness driver Brad Forward have in common?

They’ll all be performing during the first ever Adrenaline festival at Hiawatha Horse Park this Thursday, August 20 through Sunday, August 23, presented by Standardbred Canada.

Adrenaline is a unique four-day festival combining horse racing, food, live music, sports competitions, entertainment and more.

A first class line-up of entertainment is featured during the four days. Harness racing will take place with a 7 p.m. start on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Thursday’s program features Xtreme Racing on track with distances ranging from an eighth of a mile to a mile and a quarter. Friday’s card features a US vs. Team Canada driving challenge.

The first three days of the festival will target the 19–35 demographic and feature non-stop action and entertainment including an Ultimate Band Challenge, Karaoke Contest, Pro Beach Volleyball, Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Tour, Ms Adrenaline Competition and a Flair Bartending Challenge. Adrenaline will also host its own special Ribfest for all four days.

Sunday’s activities will focus on family fun with interactive and educational Horseplay events, Equimania, a Giddy Up and Gallop Kids 1 km. Fun Run, the McCann Dog Stars, Jack Russell races and more for kids aged 3–14.

Adrenaline will engage horseplayers by offering three TROT Canada National Handicapping Qualifying Events on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday of Adrenaline. The WannaBet Team will also be on hand to help out potential new fans. There will also be Tip Sheets available each race night and many contests and games centered on the racing action to engage the on-track crowd.

Adrenaline has secured a number of sponsors for year one including Steelback Brewery, local rock station and media partner, K106.3, Harvey’s, the Holiday Inn, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, and Tourism Sarnia-Lambton.

Other partners from the Community include: The Sarnia Sting, Harmony For Youth, The Big Brothers of Sarnia-Lambton, Sunshine Foundation, Pepper Jacks, Cogeco, and The Sarnia Chamber of Commerce.

Standardbred Canada developed Adrenaline as part of its Strategic Plan to help re-energize horse racing across Canada. The objectives of Adrenaline are to develop new customers, and drive an increase in incremental attendance and handle while re-energizing harness racing in racetrack markets across the country. The events and atmosphere at Adrenaline are designed to connect potential new customers to harness racing and engage them in the “racing experience.”