Dresden Raceway 2017 season finale. August 6, 2017. (Photo courtesy of Gary Patterson). Dresden Raceway 2017 season finale. August 6, 2017. (Photo courtesy of Gary Patterson).
Chatham

Dresden Raceway Celebrates High Attendance And Bets

Dresden Raceway just wrapped up its latest season with boosts in both attendance and bets.

According to Dresden Agricultural Society President Lucille Laprise, the raceway saw an almost 30% bump in attendance this past season and close to a $40,000 increase in the annual handle.

"The raceway has really increased over this racing season. We've had great weather, we've had great attendance, we've had a great handle every week, and we've had some many interesting things to invite people to come," says Laprise.

Laprise says a crowd of over 1,800 people attended the raceway's big season finale Sunday afternoon.

The special event included guest appearances from famous announcer Roger Huston, local celebrities Captain Positive and Opti Woman, and an Elvis impersonator. Free corn, raffles, and prize draws were other highlights of the event. Horseman Garrett Rooney was both winner of the day and winner of the year, with 26 victories this season.

Laprise hopes to expand the raceway even further next year with more creative events and theme days to attract more visitors. She expects the next season to start sometime in May if everything goes as planned.

Read More Local Stories