Fans and participants of harness racing in Nova Scotia can hopefully look forward to a facelift of sorts for the upcoming season at Northside Downs.

The Cape Breton Horsemen’s Association will be conducting a fundraiser next month in the form of an auction and dance. Organizers are hoping to raise between $6,000 and $10,000 with proceeds going to resurface the track and rebuild the backstretch fence.

“Harness racing starts up again on May 13 and we’ll go right through to Nov. 18, so there is a lot of preparation to get us to where we have to be before the season gets underway,” CBHA President Blair MacKenzie told the Cape Breton Post.

MacKenzie, who works full-time as a financial adviser, grew up around horses and now loves taking his own kids to the track on a Saturday afternoon.

“I have a young family and for them it’s a great day out,” said MacKenzie, who started as Association president earlier this year. “Our big focus is to try and get more young families coming to the track. It would be great as well to see more of our young people take an interest in harness racing."

The auction/dance is set for Saturday, April 1 the Emera Centre, starting at 6:00 p.m. Tickets cost $5 each and can be purchased by contacting Blair MacKenzie (902-574-2672) or Diane Collins (902-565-7755).