by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Santa Claus is coming to town on Sunday (Dec. 16). Well at least to Monticello Raceway and Casino.

On that afternoon the jolly ole gent will be horse drawn to the winner’s circle and if it is anything like it has been in the past few years, the children will be cheering.

Santa’s visit is part of the special 10-race card on Sunday which has been added to coincide with the children’s fourth annual free, fabulous, fantasy holiday party.

The day will get underway with the first race going to post at 12:25 p.m. and the featured Candy Cane Pace will be the second race on the card.

After that race Santa will ride around the track in a sulky pulled by a beautiful white horse who’s reputed to be a buddy of the ‘Rudolph’ (you know who). Hordes of children will join Santa for the winner’s circle presentation and each will receive a candy cane.

After that race the party begins in earnest at 1 p.m. Monticello Raceway horsemen will take the children to the third floor of the grandstand for 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.

Gifts and games of all kinds will be given away along with sweet treats, cookies and hot chocolate and the kids can even have their faces painted by a professional. And ‘Elvis’ will be in the building.

Attendance to the holiday party is free and the offer is extended to all children, near and far.