It's Snowing at Fair Grounds this December!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Jim Mulvihill
Communications and Pari-Mutuel Marketing Manager
504.948.1233
james.mulvihill@fgno.com

It's Snowing at Fair Grounds this December!
Snow Globe Live, Family Day on Santa Super Saturday, Shopping and More This Holiday Season!

NEW ORLEANS (Tuesday, December 6, 2011) - Even when the New Orleans weather is balmy, there will be snow (and fun) in the forecast at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, at least in the Clubhouse. That's because Snow Globe Live!, a 15-foot transparent globe that serves as the stage for a memorable holiday portrait, will be open for picture-taking every live racing day through January 1.

Snow Globe Live! is just one element of a December to remember this year. Fair Grounds will also offer a Family Fun Day in the trackside tent on Santa Super Saturday, Dec. 17, and great holiday shopping at our upscale retail kiosks all month long. In addition, a limited number of dates remain available for private parties of all sizes, whether during the races or in the evenings.

Snow Globe Live!
Making its first-ever appearance in New Orleans, Snow Glove Live! can be found exclusively at Fair Grounds from now through the New Year. Bring the entire family for an unforgettable photograph that will become part of your family lore! Each portrait session is $15, which includes a digital file of the photo that can be shared electronically.

Snow Globe Live! is open during live racing (no reservations necessary) and can also be included in private holiday party packages.

Private Holiday Parties
It's not too late to book your private holiday party at Fair Grounds, where both the Clubhouse mezzanine and the more intimate Black Gold Room have been transformed into winter wonderlands filled with festive seasonal decorations. The flexible event spaces can work for parties of any size up to 700 people, with custom menus, free parking and optional valet service. For even more entertainment, add a karaoke setup or have Fair Grounds help you book a first-rate live band.

Private parties are available during live racing or in the evening. For more information or to book your event now, contact the Group Sales department at (504) 948-1285.

Family Fun Day on Santa Super Saturday, Dec. 17
Family Fun Day returns to Fair Grounds with a holiday theme on Santa Super Saturday, Dec. 17. From Noon to 4 p.m., visit the trackside tent for photos with Santa Claus and Fair Grounds mascot Gentilly Billy, cookie decorating, hot cocoa, face painting, crafts, coloring and kid-friendly concessions. Admission to Family Fun Day is free.

Holiday Shopping at Fair Grounds
Check off every name on your list without ever standing in a line by doing your holiday shopping at Fair Grounds Gifts. Three retail kiosks, each with its own special items, offer everything from Fair Grounds merchandise to jewelry to horse-themed gifts for children and adults.

This year Fair Grounds Gifts offers a new signature t-shirt series printed on American Apparel T's in sizes small through double extra large. Additionally, you'll find polos, hats, visors, assorted jewelry, fleur de lis homegoods, black and gold merchandise as well as other accessories for your horse-loving friends and family.

Fair Grounds Gifts offers just about every type of horse-themed toy or gift imaginable. Being a certified retailer for brands like Stephen Joseph and Melissa & Doug ensures shoppers receive only the highest quality in children's goods and toys.

Fair Grounds Gifts can be found in two locations on the Grandstand's first level - the Clubhouse/Valet Lobby and the West entrance. The kiosks are open every live racing day.

About Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, the nation's third-oldest racetrack, has been in operation since 1872. Located in New Orleans, Fair Grounds is owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN); it also operates a slot-machine gaming facility and 10 off-track betting parlors throughout southeast Louisiana. The 140th Thoroughbred Racing Season will run Nov. 24, 2011 to April 1, 2012, highlighted by the $1 million Louisiana Derby on April 1. More information can be found online at http://www.fairgroundsracecourse.com/.

-FG-