Ladies Out Loud is taking over the Century Downs Racetrack and Casino Sept. 9, providing women with a chance to dress up and have some fun. According to founder Karen McDonald, the event will even feature a special Ladies Out Loud race. “I’m been working with Century Downs, and they give you an opportunity to do things that add to your experience,” she said. “I’ve also got somebody coming in to teach the ladies how to bet – how it’s all done.” Ladies Out Loud will have a special designated spot in a trackside tent for the event, McDonald said, and Century Downs is providing gift bags. Participants will also enjoy lunch in the tent. While ladies are encouraged to wear a hat or a fascinator and dress up, McDonald said, it’s not mandatory to take part. Those who do, though, will be eligible to win some great prizes, including a $100 VISA gift card from the Alberta Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (ATOBA). The grand prize winner, along with a partner or friend, will also be invited to sit at ATOBA’s table during the Harvest Plate Oct. 8 at Century Downs, and present the $100,000 prize to the race winner. McDonald founded Ladies Out Loud in 2015. Since that time, the group has expanded to include approximately 70 women – and membership continues to grow, McDonald added. “I wanted to meet other ladies and bring women together for fun, learning activities and events,” she said. Ladies Out Loud holds regular line dancing lessons and tea-time chats, but McDonald said the Sept. 9 outing to Century Downs will be the first time the group has taken on horseracing. She said she was inspired by similar events in Scotland, where she was born and raised. “It’s just a brilliant event. They do the big hats and the hat competition and the best-dressed competition,” she said. “It’s just a fun day out for ladies.” Members of the group, as well as non-members, are invited to come join in the fun, which gets underway at the racetrack near CrossIron Mills Mall in Balzac at 12:30 p.m. Cost to attend is $63.33 and tickets are available on Eventbrite.ca Approximately 60 tickets for the event have sold so far, and McDonald said with space limited to 100, interested women should be sure to grab their tickets soon. “We go rain or shine. If you’ve never been to the horse races, watching a thoroughbred is very exciting,” she said. “The [thrill] of being at the races with other women and the chance to dress up – come out and have a fun day.” More information about Ladies Out Loud can be found on the group’s website at ladiesoutloud.ca
