Harrah’s Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association are hosting the second of three special Summer Series reunion nights on Friday, August 11 with the Garden State Park Reunion Night.
Post time for the special evening program is 6:30 pm.
Hall of Famers John Campbell and Catello ‘Cat’ Manzi will be in attendance including former track announcer, Larry Lederman.
“Our first Summer Series Reunion night on July 14 for Liberty Bell Park was really well attended,” said Barry Brown, director of racing operations at Harrah’s Philadelphia. “And the fan participation in the memorabilia show was great to see. We are hopeful that the upcoming Garden State Park Night will be even bigger.”
The new Garden State Park (rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1977 that destroyed the clubhouse and grandstand) was located on Route 70 and Haddonfield Road in Cherry Hill, NJ, featuring world class harness and Thoroughbred racing from 1985 through 2001. The property is now the site of the Town Center, featuring popular stores and restaurants.
Race fans are urged to dig around their storage areas and bring any memorabilia from Garden State Park to the track. Everyone that brings in a piece of Garden State Park memorabilia, a race program, admission pass, collector glass, win circle photos, etc., will get a gift from Harrah’s Philadelphia. There will be judging of the memorabilia items with $300 in betting vouchers given out to the top items brought in.
A special guest appearance will be made by WIP Radio Sports legend, Jody McDonald, who will be at the track to meet fans each of the Summer Special Reunion Nights.
The emcee for the evening will be Delaware Valley broadcaster Steve Ross, who was the director of advertising and promotion at Garden State Park.
There will be a souvenir eight-page insert of Garden State Park photos in the race program, plus live harness racing, live music during the evening, free mechanical bull rides and other games on the outdoor patio.
“We encourage everyone who remembers or went to Garden State Park to come on out,” said Brown. “We hope to see lots of race fans, former employees and horsemen and women from the Garden State Park days of old and enjoy a great reunion night. We are also hopeful of some additional surprise guests that will be in attendance.”
The final Summer Series Reunion Night will be Friday, September 8, celebrating Brandywine Raceway. For the Brandywine Raceway Reunion Night, the first 400 fans to purchase a Harrah’s race program, will get a free commemorative T-Shirt for the Summer Series Reunion.
For more information, visit or contact Harrah’s Philadelphia at caesars.com/harrahs-philly.
(Harrah’s Philadelphia)