by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — For the third consecutive season the Monticello Harness Horsemen’s Association and Monticello Casino & Raceway will host a Fabulous Fantasy Holiday Party from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. for local children, ages toddler to 12 years, on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 16. The party will be run in conjunction with the racing program that afternoon. Post time for the race card will be at 12:25 p.m.

Monticello Raceway horsemen will be taking the attending children on a magical make believe journey to the North Pole where they will visit and have photos taken with Santa and his Elves in Snowy Candy Cane Land.

The party will be centered on the third floor of the grandstand in the Casino where various other activities are planned for the children.

“This year will be bigger and better than ever and there will be something for each and every child,” noted Alan Schwartz, the president of the Horsemen’s Association. “We have plenty of gifts; bicycles of all kinds, games, toys, stuffed animals, and even remote controlled cars.”

There will be games to play and the youngsters can have their faces made-up by a professional face painter. And Elvis will be in the building! Eric “Elvis’ Lost Brother” Bressi will entertain, completely gratis.

“We have heard from good sources that Santa might make an appearance as the Good Will Ambassador for the Candy Cane Pace, the special holiday race featured on the racing program that afternoon,” added Mrs. Dale Berenson, the executive secretary of administration for the Horsemen’s Association. “And once again, all children will receive a candy cane after the Candy Cane Pace is completed.”

Attendance to the Holiday Party is free and it promises to be a day the kids will remember. Sweet treats, cookies and hot chocolate will also be given to all the attending children courtesy of Monticello Raceway — and, of course, Santa.