This year, for the first time, all major Preakness Celebration events will be held in the City of Baltimore. There will be hot-air balloons over the Inner Harbor, two road races, lots of live music, a Ferris wheel and perennial favorites like the Preakness Parade and the sunset cruise.
Then there is going to be a horse race.
The 127th running of the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown for 3-year-old thoroughbreds, on May 18 is still the main event of Preakness partying. But the nonprofit Preakness Celebration Inc. is also putting on a week of fun and mostly free events for race fans and for people who don't know a thing about equine bloodlines, betting or black-eyed Susans.
FOR THE RECORD - An article in yesterday's Today section misstated restrictions on coolers and backpacks on Preakness Day at Pimlico. Coolers and backpacks will be permitted in the infield and Turfside Terrace but will not be allowed in the grandstand or clubhouse. The Sun regrets the error.
This year, as part of a multiyear plan to make the events leading up to the Preakness bigger and more exciting, organizers are placing most of the activities in or near the Inner Harbor. Preakness Celebration even has a whole new set of upbeat, colorful logos featuring a smiling, galloping cartoon horse to attract a wider audience, including families.
"Families don't typically go to the Preakness itself," says Paul Wolman, a Preakness Celebration board member. "We want all of Baltimore to experience Preakness."
The hot-air balloon festival, which used to be held at Oregon Ridge in Baltimore County, will be the most noticeable addition to the Inner Harbor. On May 10 and 11, the balloons will be based at Rash Field, where people can enjoy demonstrations, music and food. Both nights the balloons will be illuminated against the Baltimore skyline in a "BalloonGlow" finale. On May 11, there will also be a hot-air balloon competition starting from Druid Hill Park.
Inspired by the popularity of last fall's Baltimore Marathon, organizers have added a 10K race around South Baltimore and Fort McHenry to the annual 5K race. Runners will take off from Rash Field at 8 a.m. on May 11.
Less health-conscious, but still entertaining, are Preakness Pub nights. Starting May 13, a different bar - two in Fells Point, one each in Federal Hill, Mount Washington and Towson - will be host for the event each night through May 17. There will be free admission and drink specials for partygoers over 21 as Pimlico jockeys act as guest bartenders. Proceeds will benefit the Disabled Jockeys Fund.
