The local horsemen and horsewomen of Fraser Downs continued a holiday tradition by taking part in the recent 10th annual Surrey Santa Parade of Lights.
The parade took place on Sunday, Dec. 6, with trainer/driver Travis Tracey and Lauren Weigel in rein to six-year-old pacing gelding Promise To Lynette in a decorated, two-seated jog cart. Outrider Christa Byrd and eight-year-old mare Pinepitch Cam also took part in the parade. Over 500 candy canes were distributed along the parade route, courtesy of Harness Racing British Columbia (HRBC).
Despite this year's parade route being shortened and involvement by HRBC members scaled back due poor weather conditions, the standardbreds were fantastic ambassadors for the sport.
"It was just absolutely wicked weather, but we did have some entries out in it, which was great," HRBC Executive Director Carla Robin told Trot Insider. "Our members have participated in the parade for years. It's a big community event and, of course, the horses and horsemen here at Fraser Downs are a huge part of the community so they get out and participate in all these kinds of public and community events."
Local horsepeople are also giving back to the community by making donations to the Surrey Food Bank when their families get Christmas photos taken with Santa at the Clover Square Mall, just minutes from the racetrack.
Meanwhile, the grand opening of the rebranded Elements Casino is slated for tonight (Thursday, Dec. 17) at 8 p.m. (PST). Drivers and trainers will be in attendance while donning their racing colours to welcome the public.
"They're all organized and ready to go to be our faces of racing," said Robin. "They're expecting thousands of people to attend, so for the horsemen to be there chatting to everybody about the importance of racing and welcoming them onto the site to comeback and watch some races and get involved with the horsemen and horses, that's a big step for us. It's going to be very exciting!"