by Susan Higgins, director of marketing, Scarborough Downs

Scarborough, ME — Scarborough Downs is pleased to host its fifth annual Family Fun Day on Sunday, August 2, a day of “Harness Racing Education and Fun for the Whole Family.” The event will feature a wide range of fun activities for the whole family with a unique focus on the Standardbred race horse.

Live racing begins at 1:30 p.m. and features the Mildred Williams International Driving Series, where top lady drivers from around the US and Canada compete at tracks around North America.

Driver purse money is donated to a woman’s charity, and for the second year in a row, Scarborough Downs has selected Ribbons for Ribbons which raises money for breast cancer research. Charity founder Meaghan Martin, an 18-year-old recent Bonny Eagle High School graduate, developed the charity when her grandmother developed the disease. Meaghan and her 8-year-old retired Standardbred race horse, Charlie, have been competing for “ribbons” in equine competitions for the last two years to raise money. Charlie will also be at Scarborough Downs on Sunday in his pink ribbons. Meaghan will also sing the National Anthem prior to racing, with Charlie by her side.

Live racing also features the first leg of the Joseph Ricci Memorial Trotting Series, with a purse of $10,000.

The event kicks off at 8:30 a.m. with the 4H “Happy Hoofbeats” horse show in the Grandstand field, featuring a series of traditional and non-traditional class competitions. Then at 12:30 p.m., the festivities continue trackside with a Standardbred mare and her new baby foal from the Nehila Farm in Scarborough on display, a horse shoeing demonstration with blacksmith Clark McDonald, and a harnessing demonstration so patrons can learn what goes into suiting up a horse for the big race.

Another equine guest, Lovey, a miniature horse on loan from the Flaherty Farm in Scarborough, will also be available for a “show and tell” session. Lovey is very good with children, and will be accompanied by her owners who can answer any questions about this unique breed — just 34” tall!

There will be games, prizes and giveaways all day long: prizes include Sea Dogs tickets, tickets to Aquaboggan Water Park, Story Land, Palace Playland, and Maine Indoor Karting. In addition, every child 12 and under will receive a free hot dog (while supplies last; one per customer).

Admission is free.