The annual Donald E. Erickson Memorial races have been a successful fundraiser for the Saratoga Lions Club, president Gary Widemshek said.
The money from the fundraiser is basically used for high school scholarships and vision and eyeglass needs for those who need help.
“Money is raised through sponsorships, the Calcuttas and gate admission fees,” Widemshek said.
For the last 30 days, the Lions Club has been working to prepare for the Chariot Races, but the week before is the most crucial.
The track has to be prepared and Saturday’s snow storm made that a bigger project this week, as all of the snow has to be removed from the track.
Trash barrels are moved out to Buck Springs Arena and the concession stand and Calcutta office are cleaned and organized for the weekend.
The volunteers then scatter wood chips on the ground, where the fans and bettors stand, to prevent a mud bog.
“We have to set up enclosed pens in the barn for the horses on Thursday night before the races,” Widemshek said.
Some of the racers will arrive on Thursday night, with the majority arriving Friday.
“Our meeting on the Thursday night before the races is held at the arena while we are working,” Widemshek said.
After the volunteers finish at the arena, they go to the Hotel Wolf to prepare the chili for the Boy Scouts to sell at the concessions.
Widemshek explained there are 25 to 30 active volunteers who help prepare for the races.
The Lions Club receives a lot of support from the business community. Glode loans equipment and the Raymer family spends a lot of time working the dirt on the track and getting the port-a-potties ready. Rocky Fiedor with Saratoga Auto Parts does a lot too, Widemshek said.
The Hotel Wolf hosts the Calcutta on Friday night and caters the prime rib dinner on Saturday night at the Platte Valley Community Center.
“I hate to leave anyone out,” Widemshek said. “Because the whole business community comes together for this event.”
The Chariot Races bring in people during what is normally a slow month in Saratoga and it benefits everybody, Widemshek said.
We hope to continue the event, but the Lions Club is concerned about the shrinking of the numbers of teams. “There is not a lot of new blood coming into the sport.”
Depending on the weather, the event attracts 300 to 350 people, sometimes more.
“I have never seen anyone frowning out there (at Buck Springs), they are always laughing and backslapping,” Widemshek said.
“I hope to see everyone out there.”
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