Most people see the end result of the work the Saratoga Lions Club does during the races - the fun. The Saratoga Lions Club works all week preparing the track for the races and if it snows, they spend more time on the track.
While the races will have the town's attention this weekend, it is the volunteers behind the scenes who really get the chariots rolling.
Now in its 34th year, the Chariot Races provides much entertainment.
Saratoga Lion's Club member, Joe Glode, has been involved with the races from early on.
"It started as the Chamber of Commerce's deal," Glode said. "But the Lions were involved early."
Glode said that though the Chamber of Commerce promotes the event, it is mainly run by the Lions Club now.
"We've gotten to the point now where we do all of it now as far as labor is concerned."
Though the races were originally held at Shively Airfield, the Lions Club went on to buy the land for the track that is used in current races. That area eventually grew into the rodeo arena.
For the Lions, the races are more than just a good time. Between the Calcutta betting, sponsorships and gate admissions, the Lions use the Chariot Races as a major fundraiser.
"It our biggest fundraiser of the year."
The money brought in from the event stays right here in the community. The Lions use the money from the races to fund a wide array of Saratoga projects and organizations.
These projects include scholarships, Kid's Fishing Day, the Jr. Golf Program, Youth Baseball and Boy Scouts.
Glode said that the plans for the Chariot Races will stay relatively the same as last year.
"We like to keep it simple," he said.
Glode would like everyone to come out and support the Lions Club at the Chariot Races this weekend.
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