Frank Salive, one of the most legendary race callers in North America, is heading back to a place where he has fond memories, Peterborough, specifically nearby Kawartha Downs.
Salive, who played Junior ‘A’ hockey with the Peterborough Petes from 1972 to 1975, will be in the Kawartha announcer’s booth for the next two Saturdays (July 2 and 9), as well as on July 23 while Kawartha’s regular announcer, Evan Loucks, is on holidays.
Salive, a goalie, played under the late, great coach Roger Nielson during his tenure with the Petes. “He taught me the work ethic which led me to a lifetime perfect attendance record working,” said Salive. “Definitely playing for the Petes organization is a great influence that former players have carried with them for life.”
Salive, who has called races at many tracks throughout North America, spent the majority of his career on Canada’s top circuit, the Woodbine Entertainment Group circuit, before shifting to The Raceway at Western Fair District, in London, Ontario. Salive enjoyed a brief hiatus from the announcers’ booth after a few years of calling races at Pompano Park. He now spends his winters in Florida, and this summer became the regular race caller at Fort Erie Race Track.
This Saturday at Kawartha is the annual Family Fun night, which features lots of activities for youngsters, including a bouncy castle and slide, face painting, balloon animals, an activity centre and more. Kids’ activities start at 6:30 p.m. and first-race post time is 7 p.m.
(With files from Kawartha Downs)