The inaugural edition of Adrenaline, Canada’s Racing Festival, kicked off on Thursday evening at Hiawatha Horse Park in Sarnia, Ont. and provided those in attendance with an exciting evening of racing and much more

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Festival organizers were pleased with the opening night's results despite a storm that hit just hours before the doors opened. "The whole paddock was underwater," reported Standardbred Canada President and CEO Ted Smith.

An estimated 2,500 people were in attendance on Day 1 of the four-day event and enjoyed a fun-filled evening from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Those in attendance were treated to an action-packed card of Xtreme harness races.

"There were more people than usual for a Thursday, and the extreme races were very popular," said Smith.

In addition to watching live racing, attendees were able to peruse through the marketplace and enjoy a buffet dinner and rib-fest at the Adrenaline Cookhouse (open all weekend long). The first day of Adrenaline, sponsored by OLG, Holiday Inn and K106.3, also featured a karaoke contest and performances by local bands Eleanor Grand, Funk Eh, and Van Scott. To watch video coverage of the day's events from the Sarnia Observer, click here.

The excitement continues at Hiawatha Horse Park on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Adrenaline will open its doors at 5 p.m. tonight featuring Battle of the Sexes and USA vs. Canada harness races, a marketplace, an ultimate band challenge and more contests and giveaways.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door and are only $2 for Friday night. For more information and a full schedule of the festival’s events, visit adrenalinefest.ca.

To view Friday’s harness racing entries, click here.