Turf Valley Resort played host recently to some unusual props -- a hot air balloon, an actress in costume as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, a dappled gray racehorse and a table of hand-painted jockey figurines.
All this, plus a visit from County Executive Ken Ulman, highlighted a colorful news conference that helped make the point that Maryland's Preakness celebrations are not confined to Baltimore.
For the second year in a row, Turf Valley is hosting a hot-air-balloon festival and other activities in the days leading up to the second leg of thoroughbred horse racing's Triple Crown. But this year, the event is both larger and more official.
"It's fantastic that we're officially linked to Baltimore's biggest tourist event," said Rachelina Bonacci, executive director of Howard County Tourism.
"This year, Turf Valley will be the centerpiece venue for the only hot air balloons in the state," said Regina Ford, director of marketing for the resort. The balloon festival, previously held at Oregon Ridge Park in Baltimore County, has long been a centerpiece of Preakness celebrations. Howard County is now the official host of the event.
As she spoke, Ron Broderick of the Friendship Hot Air Balloon Co. was filling his brightly colored balloon with warm air, and actress Jamie Eacker, 22, was standing nearby dressed as Dorothy in ruby slippers, a blue gingham dress and braids. Ford had invited Eacker to the news conference after watching her perform in The Wizard of Oz at Toby's Dinner Theater in Baltimore.
The May 15-16 schedule includes the Hot Air Balloon Festival and a Pee-Wee Preakness with competitions for children such as three-legged races, face-painting, and appearances from characters such as Bob the VidTech.
The Preakness Balloon Launch, in which 20 hot air balloons will float gently upward, is scheduled for 6:30 a.m. May 17.
"There will be lots for families to do and see," said Ford. The more than 50 vendors at the event will include Nick Corso Pottery, Cookie Lee Jewelry, Fudgie Wudgie and Deerfield Designs, the company that hand-paints jockey figurines each year in the racing-silk colors of the participating horses. The jockey figurines are then given to the owners at the annual "alibi breakfast" before the race.
Debra Flentje said the company will sell painted mugs and other items, and take orders for custom-painted articles.
