by Jennifer Starr, for The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono

Wilkes-Barre, PA — Kentucky Derby 143 is now in the record books, and the Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono is busy planning a huge event for Preakness weekend. Before the horses approach the starting gate at Pimlico, a party will be underway at the Downs in Northeast PA.

The betting windows will open bright and early at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday (May 20) with post time for Pimlico at 10:30 a.m. Pacer’s Clubhouse will open at 4 p.m., by reservation only, 1-888-WIN-IN-PA.

Outside on the apron, the Black-Eyed Susans and other beverages will be flowing, and fans can enjoy a free concert featuring Encorz and The Fellas with a Tribute to Soultown. The concert is from 4-6 p.m.

Fans can watch the Preakness on the jumbo screen or in simulcast, and live harness racing action starts at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday (May 21) will be exciting for football fans. Former San Francisco 49ers and Notre Dame QB Joe Montana stops by for a meet and greet in the racing lobby from 5-6:30 p.m. This is a wristband-only event, and they will be distributed at 1 p.m., while they last. Only authorized photos will be signed and will be distributed at the event, as well. A professional photographer will be on hand and photos will be posted on the Facebook page of Mohegan Sun Pocono.

In addition, the Downs is adding a Rainbow Pick-5 starting Sunday (May 21). It will be a 20-cent wager, and the opening promo is a $5,000 carryover. The wager will be on the last five races of the card.

For all racing events, follow us on Twitter @DownsATMSP.

Racing continues Sunday with a post time of 7:30 p.m.; and Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday with post time of 6:30 p.m.