It’s become almost ubiquitous with the holiday season at this point in New Orleans … you put on your snazziest clothes and get ready to show out at the Fairgrounds! It doesn’t matter if you’re a regular at the track. You don’t need a thorough knowledge of the stakes to put on your Sunday’s best and enjoy the fun the track offers on Thanksgiving. So, how did it all begin? When did the holiday race track tradition really take hold? Jason Boulet, Sr. Director of Racing for the Fairgrounds, is the third generation of a horse racing family and says the tradition tracks around 100 years back in the Crescent City.
“It’s a race that’s been running here for one hundred years now. Coming to the Fairgrounds for Thanksgiving is a family affair as well, so it’s become a tradition around here just like Mardi Gras,” Boulet says.
Cathy Beeding is the Vice President and General Manager of the Fairgrounds and says the tradition of getting dressed to the nines to watch the races here in the Crescent City is a reflection of both the culture of the city and the times in which the tradition began. “I think it was a reflection of the culture and uniqueness of both this community and the Fairgrounds itself,” Beeding notes.
“Thanksgiving has become a day for people watching here at the Fairgrounds. The entertainment that comes from watching all the folks with their best hats and Thanksgiving finery … it is local creativity on display at its absolute finest,” adds Beeding.
“Something changed around Katrina,” Jason Boulet is quick to point out. “Following Katrina, people from the Marigny/Bywater area really got involved with the Fairgrounds. That neighborhood has grown so much since then, and it’s now become a social event for that specific area. Along with the traditional crowd that has always come here over the years, the blending of those new folks as well has created a truly unique atmosphere. It’s pretty cool to come out even just to people watch,” Boulet adds.
“It’s the artistry you see! Specifically the homespun artistry,” General Manager Cathy Beeding exclaims. “You don’t find too many hats that came from stores or high-end stores. Most of the hats you see were made in folks’ craft rooms or on the dining room table many, many years ago, over many, many nights. You look at these hats and a lot of times, someone’s aunt or grandmother started a hat decades ago, and they’re building on those traditions. The creativity is really something to behold, and it’s such a personal expression,” notes Beedy.
“If you look at early to mid 20th century: the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, racing was the sport of kings along with baseball and boxing,” Boulet adds. “Of course, things have certainly changed over the years. But, one thing about the Fairgrounds, Thanksgiving always brought out people wearing their best outfits. If you look at historical photos from many, many years ago, you see everyone dressed up in their bowties and best outfits. The tradition continues here, and it’s great to see families show up with their little ones wearing suits and bowties. We’re glad to continue that tradition,” Boulet says.
Some people may worry that their wardrobe isn’t up to the task of being part of the historical fashion show at the Fairgrounds. Vice President Cathy Beeding says wearing your absolute snazziest is part of New Orleans tradition, but it isn’t part of the Fairgrounds’ dress code. “Racing has become a lot more accessible over the past couple of decades,” Beeding points out. “It used to be there was a dress code to get into the clubhouse. No short sleeves, no polos, everyone had to have their sport coat on … and while I think that’s part of our rich tradition, we no longer have those stringent dress codes. We want everyone from every end of the spectrum to be able to enjoy our races,” adds Beeding.
Both Boulet and Beeding were enthusiastic about noting that Thanksgiving kicks off a string of holiday events at the Fairgrounds, including the extremely popular exotic animal races. The full event calendar can be found at on the Fairgrounds website