Music, beer truck, hat contest, auction all part of Derby day at racino

AUSTINTOWN

A live bluegrass band with an outdoor beer truck and barbecue food will be among the offerings during Saturday’s simulcast of the Kentucky Derby at Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course.

Sean Patrick and the Newgrass Revolution are set to play from noon to 5 p.m. on the concrete patio between the grandstands and the thoroughbred track, and a beer truck will be set up near the paddock where the horses walked before each race during the live racing season.

Penn National Gaming Inc.’s vice president of Ohio racing, Mark Loewe, detailed those layout plans as well as the ability to place bets today beginning at 10 a.m. at the track, 655 N. Canfield-Niles Road.

He said the first of the races for the Triple Crown will kick off sometime between 6:25 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. at Churchill Downs in Lexington, Ky.

“Advance betting is important because it’s going to get crowded,” Loewe said. “We had reserved tables in the dining area and they’re all booked, and all the other seating areas are on a first come, first served basis.”

There will be a ladies’ hat judging competition, with registration from noon to 3 p.m. and judging at 3:20 on the first floor of the grandstand section.

Also happening is a silent auction with four items.

Read more about the plans in Saturday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.