A Night at the Races
By Ken Bounds
Even when the long Northern Illinois winters require us to keep our beloved Early V-8 Fords tucked in their garages, we still can find plenty of fun and exciting activities to enjoy as a group. None is more anticipated than the perennial favorite – an outing to one of the area racetracks. I’m talking about the one-horsepower type of racing with four legs. This year Ron Blum arranged an outing to see harness racing at beautiful Maywood Park in Melrose Park.
Ron did not disappoint us. A crowd of 41V-8 family and friends enjoyed a night of great fellowship, fantastic food, and exciting racing in a first-class venue. The evening started with complimentary valet parking and seating in the Winners Circle Dining room with an incredible view over the finish line. The “Grand Gourmet Buffet,” which was deserving of its name, began at 6:30. But you didn’t need to rush – dinner was served until 9:30.
Enjoying this evening were our hosts Ron & Arlene Blum, Ken & Carolyn Bounds, Tom & Judy Buscaglia, Cliff & Joan Dixon with guests Gene & Karen Fehringer and Jan & Cheryl Barkdoll, Ernie & Terry Herzog with guest Karen McGinley, Paul Jensen, John Judge with guests Dennis and Michelle, Joe & Nell Kozmic, Joey Novak, Tom & Madeleine O’Donnell with daughter Maureen Joos, granddaughter, Michelle Joos, son Tom O'Donnell Jr., son, Steven O'Donnell, his wife Ronnie and their daughter McKenna, Joe & Delice Serritella, John & Barbara Slobodnik, Stan & JoAnne Stack, Len & Irene Vinyard with son Jeff, and Alan Wall & guest. Unfortunately, our President and First Lady, Dan & Diane Pudelek, were unable to make it due to a brief illness.
As everyone enjoyed their delicious meal, it was time to get down to business with the racing program. Win or lose, it is always fun to wager on your favorites. Half the fun is just watching the methods everyone uses to make their picks: the name of the horse, driver, trainer, or owner; the ethnic origin of same; or a more scientific study of prior performance. Then there are always the guaranteed sure-shots provided by Ron. Sometimes. The first race went off at 7:10 and you could hear the shrieks from the crowd as they urged their picks on. Some of us ran up to the windows to claim winnings while other tote tickets were torn up and tossed in the air.
It was soon time for the 3rd race, named for our group. As the race was about to begin, Ron was busy gathering all the V-8 Gals for a photo opportunity with the winning horse O Prettyboyfloyd driven by Trace Tetrick in “our” race. But there was some excitement for several of the men too. Eight lucky guys had the thrill of riding in the starter car for the 4th and 7th races. Your author was one of those enjoying this unique opportunity and it was a blast. Just to add to the fun, two of Cliff Dixon’s guests won the nightly Maywood raffle – dinner for two at a future racing date.
There were
12 races at Maywood that night. As
the races counted up, our evening began to count down.
After the final trips to the buffet and dessert table and the last drinks
were served, it was time to total up the winnings and the losses and begin
saying goodbyes. We are grateful to our wonderful host, Ron Blum, for all the
work he did to make this one of the premier events of the year.
We all say “Thanks Ron!”
Everyone is looking forward to the next time.
