May 09, 2002|By Sara Engram | Sara Engram,SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Monday: Mother's Federal Hill Grille in Federal Hill; Tuesday: Max's on Broadway in Fells Point; Wednesday: Mt. Washington Tavern in Mount Washington; Thursday: Koopers Tavern in Fells Point; Friday: Razorbacks in Towson.
Phillips Preakness Tray-fecta, noon, Harborplace Amphitheatre.
Plan to spend your lunch break at the Inner Harbor. At noon, some of Baltimore's best waitresses and waiters face a daunting obstacle course of demanding customers in a setting featuring an outdoor cafe with umbrella tables and a swinging kitchen door. Sponsored by Harborplace and The Gallery.
Tuesday, May 14
Pee Wee Preakness, 11:30 a.m., Federal Hill Park, Key Highway.
The Baltimore Office of Promotion sponsors this event, which gives children a chance to race for prizes like jockeys.
Wednesday, May 15
Sunrise at Old Hilltop, 6 a.m.-9 a.m., Pimlico Race Course, Northern Parkway
Pimlico Race Course in Northwest Baltimore (Exit 10B off of Interstate 83) opens its doors for a guided tour of the stable area and an insider's look at the horses' morning workouts. See the Triple Crown contenders up close and catch the Preakness spirit. Also, Thursday and Friday, May 16-17.
Preakness Frog Hop, noon, Patterson Park, East Lombard Street and Patterson Park Avenue.
Preakness Week just wouldn't be complete without this event, at which the record frog jump is more than 8 feet. Come see if any of this year's entries can top that. Even if they don't, the winning critter will get its own trophy and a taste of "fly pie." In case of rain, head for the Virginia S. Baker Patterson Park Recreation Center.
Miller Lite Nites, continues through Friday, 6 p.m.-11 p.m. at Power Plant Live! (35 Market Place)
This hip scene will feature cold beer and live music from such acts as Mr. Greengenes (Wednesday), Cracker & the Kelly Bell Band (Thursday) and Blessed Union of Souls (Friday).
Thursday, May 16
Preakness Crab Derby, 12:30 p.m. at Lexington Market, 400 W. Lexington Ave.
If frogs can compete in Preakness festivities, surely crabs can, too. This event allows local celebrities to select a crustacean to race, more or less, from one point to another. It's never boring.
Preakness Sunset Cruise, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Inner Harbor
This cruise is not passengers, but rather for some spectacular tall ships. The Clipper City, with a calypso band on board, leads the way in a tall-ship parade around the Inner Harbor and Fells Point. The festive procession concludes with the City Fire Boat #1 giving a water-hose display.
Friday, May 17
The 11th annual Phillips Celebrity Crab Picking Contest, noon, Harborplace Amphitheatre.
Representatives from the local business, media and sports communities have three minutes to see who can pick the most crab meat. Sponsored by Harborplace and The Gallery.
Saturday, May 18
Preakness Stakes, Pimlico Race Course, Northern Parkway, Exit 10B off Interstate 83.
All the fun of Preakness Celebration leads up to the 127th running of the Preakness Stakes, featuring a field of the nation's finest 3-year-old thoroughbreds. Gates at the race course open at 8:30 a.m., with post time for the first race at 10:45 a.m. and the Preakness at 6:04 p.m. Infield tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the gate. Other tickets range from $15 (standing room only in the grandstand) to $250 on the Turfside Terrace. Note: There are very limited quantities in certain sections. Call 410-542-9400, Ext. 4484.
