by Ayers Ratliff, for Northfield Park

Northfield, OH — Northfield Park hosts both the Ohio Fair Championships and its annual Pinktober “Pace for the Cure” to raise awareness for breast cancer as part of a 16-race program this Saturday (Oct. 20).

The eight $25,000 Ohio Fair Championships feature the top earners from Ohio’s numerous county fairs throughout the summer.

The “Pace for the Cure” is part of “Pinktober,” a month-long effort to raise funds to fight breast cancer, at the Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park. The race features nine female drivers and is the evening’s eighth race.

Among the participants are 2016 Pinktober winner Tabitha Canaar and last year’s champion Jayne Weller. Jayne is the daughter of June Weller, the first female to ever drive in harness racing’s crown jewel, the Little Brown Jug. The race’s other participants include Renee Bauslaugh, Mary Birkhold, Christina Evans, Sierra Graham, Emily Hay, Laurie Stark and Rosy Weaver.

Added to the normal wagering on the “Pace for the Cure” the purchase of raffle tickets are encouraged. These tickets are $1 each or six tickets for $5. Tickets are placed into bags that correspond with each female driver. All tickets from the winning bag will be entered into a drawing for a host of prizes. A silent auction will also be conducted with proceeds supporting breast cancer research.

In addition to exciting racing action, the evening will also offer guests a $14.95 buffet in Lady Luck’s clubhouse dining room from 6-9 p.m. Reservations are preferred and can be made by calling 330.467.4101.

Guests who want to be down close to all of the racing action to dine can stop by the grandstand apron to visit Barrio’s Food Truck, which will be sitting trackside from 6-9 p.m.

Other action trackside includes free-to-play Bingo with a $500 top prize, t-shirt tosses throughout the evening, Kid Zone (face painting, balloon artist and prize wheel) from 6–8 p.m., Corn Hole from 6:30–7:30 p.m., Driver Autograph Table from 6–9 p.m., and Putt-Putt Challenge 8–9 p.m.

First race post time is 6 p.m. Admission and parking are always free at Northfield Park.