by Kelly Spencer, for Grand River Raceway

Elora, ON — Grand River Raceway’s 15th race season kicks off Friday (June 1) at 6:30 p.m.

In addition to several facility renovations, the on-track experience will be further enhanced by a new 10’ x 18’ video screen installed beside the remodeled tote board in the infield.

The Fun & Frivolity Friday Race Night lineup includes guest announcer Mike Farwell, host of The Mike Farwell Show and the voice of the Kitchener Rangers on 570 NEWS.

Farwell runs an annual fundraising campaign called Farwell4 Hire, during which he does odd jobs in exchange for a donation to Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Farwell4Hire has raised more than $183,000 in the past four years and is shooting for $100,000 in the campaign which ends June 2.

After jogging a horse prior to race three, Farwell will join track announcer Gary Guy to call race seven.

In addition to the track’s $500 payment, the campaign will also receive all $5 donations for kids’ color-then-wash-then-color t-shirts available in The NEIGHbourhood. The free kids’ program runs each Friday race night from 6:30–8:30 p.m. and includes horse crafts, a photo with the winning horse of race four and a guided barn tour.

All Fun & Frivolity Friday Race Nights also include a live trackside broadcast with 107.5 DAVE ROCKS, and an extended Tarmac Show between the races.

While the $19.99 Race Night Buffet in the Captain’s Quarters (overlooking the racetrack) is sold-out for June 1, the facility offers additional dining options in The Lighthouse Restaurant and The Getaway Restaurant. Reservations are not required for either of these eateries. The Tarmac BBQ is also open on live race nights. To place future reservations for the $19.99 Race Night Buffet, call 519.846.5455, ext. 247, or email bookings@grandriverraceway.com.

Live harness racing is featured on most Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights from June 1 through Sept. 26.

Other special racing events include Ren’s Pets Depot Wiener Dog Races (July 6), the Industry Day horse racing celebration featuring the Battle of Waterloo (Aug. 6) and the National Driving Championship (Sept. 26).

Grand River Raceway’s 10-race program for June 1 is available here and streaming video will be available starting at 6 p.m.