Colonial Downs track burning April 11

Colonial Downs will host a first ever “Track Burning” event on Friday, Apr. 11, 4-8 p.m., as its signature Secretatirat Turf Course will literally go up in flames.

“This is an annual spring maintenance procedure that allows the grass to come back greener and more lush by removing dead “cover” from the track’s top layer,” said track superintendent J.D. Thomas. “This is the third year we’ve done a controlled burn, but the first time it’s been open to the public to witness and photograph.”

Magician/fire juggler Jonathan Austin will be on hand with a pair of fire breathers to help create a festival theme, and a plated pig roast dinner will be available for $8.95. County residents that want to set up a space in the Colonial Downs parking lot to sell garage sale type wares can do so in a “fire sale.” Spaces are $15 and can be reserved by-mailing dwood@colonialdowns.com.

Track burning admission is $2, with kids 12 & under free.