For this week's Rewind Robert Smith recalls the once popular practice of "giveaways" at racetracks as a promotional idea.  It was a simple yet usually sure way to increase attendance numbers by simply handing out a "gift" to each paying customer in attendance.  The handouts were advertised in advance and usually were identified with the location and invariably showed the track's logo.  I have been successful in finding pictures of a number of these "goodies" from yesteryears for display today. 

This edition of Rewind is mainly pictorial but still contains the usual Photo Quiz section. 

Back in the day when racetracks attracted large crowds track operators frequently staged what might be called "giveaway" events.  Patrons were given the advertised item, perhaps with certain stipulations such as "first 2,000 customers" or some similar phrase to suit the situation.  Items covered a wide range of products, usually chosen as something useful to the recipient.  

Shown below is a random sample of a few items that were used as "giveaways" down through the years.  I am sure this is just the proverbial tip of the iceberg but it does give an idea of what the items looked like.  

Coffee mugs were popular items such as the one shown above commemorating the Windsor Raceway track record set by the famous trotter Fresh Yankee in 1972. 

Who wouldn't be happy to have a seat cushion bearing the logo of the famous Roosevelt Raceway.  This would apply even if you weren't a fan of the colour orange. 

I am sure that T-shirts have often been given away at various tracks.  The one above is from around 1990, issued to commemorate Batavia Downs 50th anniversary.  

An autographed coffee mug bearing the signature of the famous and popular Herve Filion was part of a set displayed elsewhere.  It was given out by The Meadowlands track.  

This tote bag from Saratoga Raceway looks like a pretty neat item especially if it's free!  I think that Saratoga has a long history of giveaways and I read recently about one from quite a few years ago. Here is an excerpt from the article as stated by a track official. "This year we’re doing what we did, successfully, a few years ago; we're giving away golf umbrellas to all paid admissions on opening night, and anyone who comes back with one of those umbrellas on any night during our season gets in free." Question: I wonder if you showed up when it was not raining if that offer would still apply?

Niatross engraved glasses were given out at the Meadowlands 

Fans at Windsor Raceway were the recipients of some very nice glasses bearing some very famous names. Fresh Yankee, Niatross,  Direct Scooter and Cam Fella.  I believe they were chosen as track record holders.  Not sure if they were given as a set or one at a time?  

Ontario Harness Horse Association beer mugs etched glass.  Not sure if these were giveaways or for purchase.  In any event they look pretty nice. 

This glassware was associated with the 1978 International Trot held at Roosevelt Raceway.  

When Batavia Downs celebrated their 45th anniversary in 1984 race fans received a special key chain to commemorate the occasion.  I was not in attendance but received this one many years ago from the late Barbara Provenzano Samberg when she was the track President. 

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Not all giveaway events at our racetracks were at large tracks.  The program cover shown above advertised a "Free Hat Night" at Canada's most southerly located raceway Leamington in 1989.  Who wouldn't like to have another baseball type cap to add to their collection?  

Closing Note: I think the era of the giveaway has come and gone for the most part  However if you remember a gift night or a promotional idea that stuck in your memory don't be afraid to share it with the reading audience. 

Quote For The Week: "Never underestimate the healing power of a good bowl of soup" Unknown 

Who Is It?  

Let's make this part of today's Quiz since there are no names shown on these coffee mugs.  Shouldn't be too difficult. Who are the six featured personalities?  To show the versatility of the English language you might pose the same question by asking "Whose mugs are on these mugs?" All pretty well known I might add. 

Who Else Is It?  

Can you identify the gent above?  This photo was reportedly taken about 50 years ago.  Think "Down East" where he was pretty well known back in the day.  He was quite involved in two sports; one was harness racing.