Fast horses, fancy hats and lots of food will mark Arlington Park’s biggest race, the Arlington Million, and the festivals surrounding it this weekend.
The festivities kick off with Arlington Heights’ Mane Event Aug. 12, followed by the Million at 12:15 p.m. Aug. 13, ending with the Taste of Arlington Heights.
The Million, named after its $1 million purse, has been a staple of Arlington Park since 1981. The park will offer chances to meet hall of fame and legendary jockeys, a seminar on handicapping and a hat contest celebrating the ladies’ best headgear.
About 30,000 people are expected to show up to the park for the race day, Arlington Park spokesman David Zenner said.
Arlington Heights will host the pre-party and the post-party, hoping to draw in a few of the race-goers to the Mane Event or Taste.
Mane Event, also known as the Million Dollar Block Party, is populated mostly by Arlington Heights residents, who reunite with neighbors and friends they may not often see, Mayor Arlene Mulder said.
The Mane Event takes place from from 5 to 11 p.m. Aug. 12 downtown near the corners of Vail Avenue and Campbell Street. The party is peppered with food and entertainment options residents have come to expect from this free, family-friendly affair the night before the races.
Despite a slimmer budget, none of the usual entertainment options were cut and some were actually added, said Kevin Seifert, who coordinates Mane Event in his role as the chairman of the village’s special events commission.
An inflatable obstacle course is new this year, along with participation from the Arlington Heights police and fire departments. The police department’s classic squad car and the fire department’s engine will be on display, where kids – or adults – can have their picture taken.
The Arlington Heights Fire Department is also hoping to raise money for their breast cancer awareness and fundraising campaign. The department is raising money for Northwest Community Hospital’s Gift a Mammogram program, which offers free mammograms for local women without medical insurance.
Pony rides, bouncy houses, balloon twisters and other games will be set up on Campbell Street for children. Businesses will give away coupons and other information during the business expo.
Recalling the music of the 1980s, Heartless, a Heart cover band, and Libido Funk Circus will play the decade’s hits and rock songs.
Seifert expects between 7,000 and 10,000 people to attend the Mane Event this year.
After the Million, from 5 to 11 p.m. Aug. 13 downtown, the Taste offers food and drinks from 15 local restaurants, as well as performances from Exit 147, a local band, and Dot Dot Dot, featured on Fox TV’s “The Next Great American Band.”
“There’s a lot of excitement about this year’s Million,” Mulder said after attending Arlington Heights appreciation day at the park. “They have a lot of horses racing and that’s a good thing to see.”
