Derby party at Arlington Park opening weekend

To celebrate the start of its 2008 season, Arlington Park Racecourse has designated its opening weekend -- May 2, 3 and 4 -- as Arlington Heights Community Days.

The Arlington Heights community will be encouraged to come and celebrate at the racetrack and enjoy many special activities.

Along with opening weekend is the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby. Arlington Park Racecourse and the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce will once again be hosting a Derby party in the International Room from 12:30 to 5 p.m. May 3.

The Derby party will include admission to the park, a racing program, a lunch buffet, dessert buffet and open bar from 1 p.m. through the running of the Kentucky Derby at 5 p.m.

You can bet on live racing at Arlington Park along with your favorite to win the Kentucky Derby, which will be viewed by simulcast. The Derby party is open to anyone who wishes to enjoy a great day of racing and a great party at a great price.

Tickets are $65 per person, and sponsorship and reserved tables are available. Tickets are available at the chamber Web site. Visit www.ArlingtonHeights Chamber.com and click on to the chamber calendar link for May 3 for the Derby party. Tickets and seating are limited. For details, or sponsorship registration, call (847) 253-1703.

Opening weekend is not the only excitement the chamber is involved in this spring.

A new visitors' guide promoting Arlington Heights as an exciting destination for visitors to enjoy is being developed by the village of Arlington Heights and the chamber.

This guide will be designed and placed in every hotel room to inform daily guests staying in the nearly 1700 hotel rooms within Arlington Heights about the village's restaurants, entertainment venues, shopping, and retail stores. The chamber is printing 100,000 copies so they can be replenished in the rooms when visitors take them to discover what Arlington Heights has to offer.

The chamber also plans to distribute 5,000 copies to local residents and guest at the annual Mane Event Block Party on Aug. 8.

For information and details about advertising in the visitors' guide, contact Krystle Seifert at the chamber office, (847) 253-1703.