It’s time to gather the troops and head to the racetrack because Bring A Friend weekend is finally here! The national promotion will be celebrated at 12 racetracks across the country and kicks off tonight in Elora, Ont., at Grand River Raceway.

Grand River has planned an entertaining evening to commence the three-day event. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. with the first race going to post at 6:35 p.m. Bring A Friend guests will be eligible to participate in special prize draws in addition to a free paddock tour taking place after race 6. There will also be a live broadcast on the tarmac with 107.5 FM Dave Rocks from 7:00-10:00 p.m.

Grand River has also planned a photo contest for guests to get in on. Don’t forget to post a picture on Facebook or Twitter of you and your friend at Grand River tonight using the hashtag #BringAFriend to receive a $2 betting voucher! Show your photo on your mobile device at the Guest Care Counter between 7:00-9:00 p.m. to receive your vouchers! (One per person - must be 18+)

The NEIGHbourhood will be available for kids from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. offering games, activities, arts & crafts, a photo in the winner’s circle and a chance to meet the horses!

To view entries and program pages for Grand River Raceway, click one of the following links:

► Entries
► Program Pages

If you and your friends can’t make it to Grand River on Friday, it’s not too late to take part! Bring A Friend will continue all weekend with racing action on Saturday, July 15 at Northside Downs at 1:00 p.m., Hiawatha Horse Park starting at 6:30 p.m., Kawartha Downs at 7:00 p.m., Hanover Raceway at 7:15 p.m. and Mohawk Racetrack at 7:30 p.m.

On Sunday, July 16 Bring A Friend will continue coast-to-coast at Century Downs Racetrack & Casino, Clinton Raceway, Dresden Raceway, Rideau Carleton Raceway, Georgian Downs and Truro Raceway.

Remember to sign in at your track’s Bring A Friend Registration Table. Those who sign-up will be entered into two exclusive draws for a $100 gift card to any Canadian harness racetrack and a $50 I Love Canadian Harness Racing Fan Club Prize Package.

Don’t forget to capture your Bring A Friend memories on your smartphone or camera and enter your photos in July’s Zoom Contest ‘Friends at the Races’.

To view a detailed list of the activities taking place at each track this weekend, visit SC's Bring A Friend page.