A Calcutta party, tailgate picnic contest, fancy hat awards, terrier races, children's activities, and a seven-race card of exciting steeplechase races, are highlights of the third annual Blue Ridge Fall Races weekend—which benefits Blue Ridge Hospice—on Sept. 18 and 19 in Clarke County. Historic Woodley Farm, just south of Berryville off Rt. 340, is again host to the Friday evening Calcutta party and Saturday race day activities.

Gates open at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19 and post time is 1 p.m. for the first race. The meet features seven races, two each to be ridden over timber, hurdles, and on the flat, as well as a race for juniors. Spectators will be treated to excellent views of the race course, while enjoying an afternoon of socializing in corporate tents and at tailgate picnics. Shopping abounds at vendor tents, including a used tack tent. Kids will enjoy pony rides, moon bounces, stick pony races, face painting, and exciting terrier races. Judges will select the best tailgate picnics in several categories and prizes will also be awarded to ladies with the most creative race day hats.

Numerous sponsorship opportunities are available for the Calcutta dinner, dance and auction on Friday evening and for the race meet. Sponsor packages include tents, catered food, race naming opportunities, tickets, rail banners, and various advertising options.

Additional information is available by visiting www.blueridgefallraces.com or contacting Melanie Marks, 540-722-6403.