Clinton Raceway kicks off exciting new season on opening day May 31

Opening day at the Clinton Raceway is set to bring together racing fans, families, and community supporters for an afternoon focused on entertainment and giving back. Opening day serves as a fundraiser in support of Central Huron Secondary School, bringing together charitable giving.

During an interview with Marketing Manager Jessica Carnochan emphasized the Raceway’s long-standing role in both the local racing tradition and community fundraising efforts within Central Huron.

“We’ve been a long-standing tradition here in Clinton and Central Huron offering live racing on Sunday afternoons,” she said.

“Every Sunday we have a different group that comes here through an application process to host a fundraiser. We provide them with the facility and the race fans, and then they get to host their fundraiser here.”

Carnochan noted the Raceway’s connection to the community helps reinforce the town’s identity and heritage.

“It definitely has a close tie with the community,” she noted.

Opening day is expected to offer a family-friendly atmosphere with free admission and parking, allowing visitors to experience harness racing up close.

“You can sit right along the rail and be really close to the action,” she added. “It’s great for families who want to come out and enjoy an afternoon of entertainment at a fairly low cost.”

In addition to racing, visitors can access food and beverages. Nearby amenities including a splash pad, park, and skateboard park beside the grandstand. Carnochan also highlighted efforts to attract younger audiences and first-time visitors by promoting the Raceway as more than just a gambling venue.

“A lot of people think horse racing and immediately think gambling and over 18, but we definitely are a family-friendly facility,” she emphasized. Season events geared toward families include kids’ programming, miniature horse races and the popular wiener dog races.

“The wiener dog races bring out everybody,” she added with a laugh.

As a not-for-profit organization, Carnochan said supporting the Raceway also means supporting the broader community.

“We’re doing this for the greater good,” she said.

“Supporting the Raceway isn’t lining anybody’s pockets. Everything goes back through wages, promotion or fundraising.”

Opening day is expected to welcome both longtime racing fans and newcomers for a celebration of small-town community in Clinton.