by Jennifer Starr, for Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs

Wilkes-Barre, PA — The 50th Anniversary Season of Pocono Downs kicks off Saturday (March 21) and the season promises exciting stakes action, fun fan events and an anniversary week celebrating the rich history of the track.

The Bobby Weiss Late Closing Series, named for the former Director of Track Maintenance, opens the meet, with the finals set for April 18-22.

Kentucky Derby Day (May 2), traditionally a huge celebration of racing and partying, will also boast a doubleheader with two Pocono live race cards. Post time for the first will be at 11 a.m. and the second will be immediately following the 141st running of the Derby. In between, there will be the Run for the Roses Hat Review; a luscious Champagne Brunch in Pacers Clubhouse; a souvenir photo booth; and Spa Sapphire’s makeup booth.

The $2 million Sun Stakes Saturday is set for July 4, with the Ben Franklin Free For All Pace, the Earl Beal Jr. Memorial Trot, Max Hempt Memorial and the James Lynch Memorial contested on this prestigious night of racing. Eliminations are set for June 27.

Super Stakes Saturday returns to Pocono on anniversary night, August 22, with nearly $2.1 million in purses and the Colonial, the Battle of the Brandywine and the Valley Forge, along with two consolations for each. Other festivities are planned for the anniversary, to be announced soon.

Racing in the month of March will be Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, with Sundays added April through June; Fridays jump in the mix in July, August and September; and from mid-October through closing on Nov. 21, racing nights will be Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. The schedule is at http://mohegansunpocono.com/racing/schedules.html.

A 50th Anniversary Souvenir Book will be on sale starting March 21, featuring a look back at 50 years of racing, events and photos from Pocono Downs. The book is $3 and is available at the Program desk.