by Darrell Wood, for the Virginia Equine Alliance

Woodstock, VA — The inaugural five week harness racing season at Shenandoah Downs will come to an end this coming weekend (Oct. 8 and 9) with programs scheduled Saturday and Sunday along with a slate of added value events.

Saturday is Seafest Day, where three popular seafood vendors will be on the grounds and situated outside the main grandstand selling their fare. Pro Shuckers from Annapolis, Md., will have oysters prepared three ways, along with fried shrimp. Po’ Greens LLC from Strasburg specializes in fish dinners, crab cakes and pulled Q while Cuz & ’em Seafood from Harrisonburg will offer shrimp, crab cakes and soft shell crabs. Admission is $5 to Seafest and kids 12 and under are free.

As part of closing weekend festivities, the Virginia Harness Horsemen’s Association will be giving the first 1,000 fans (18 and older) a free $5 betting voucher both Saturday and Sunday.

“It’s a way that we can say thank you to the fans for their support,” said Dr. Scott Woogen, VHHA President and active harness horse owner and driver. “The crowds have been very enthusiastic over the past month, and all the participants recognize and appreciate that. We hope to end the meet on a strong note to build momentum for the future.”

Sunday, closing day, will feature free admission and a Shenandoah Downs souvenir baseball cap giveaway to the first 200 fans. The first 1,000 patrons will also receive that free $5 betting voucher. End of season awards will be given out to the leading driver, leading trainer and Horse of the Meet.

Gates open at 11 a.m. both days and races begin at 1 p.m. Shenandoah Downs is located at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds in Woodstock, Va., off I-81 at Exit 283, halfway between Winchester and Harrisonburg. For more details, visit www.shenandoahdowns.com. A list of the horses racing this weekend will be available at www.virginiahorseracing.com later in the week.