KEY Magazine Fort Worth

Grand Prairie, Texas
Hosts The Breeders' Cup
October 30th, 2004

Nearly 10 million visitors have passed through Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie's turnstiles since it opened its doors in 1997. But in just one day, an equally large, world-wide audience will turn its attention to Lone Star Park for horse racing's foremost international event–the 21st Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships. The Breeders' Cup is a schedule of eight championship races with a total of $14 million in prize money. The Saturday, October 30 event marks the first time that horse racing's prestigious year-end championship will be held in the Southwest region of the United States. The opening race on October 30 begins at 11:40 a.m.

Horses will arrive from the United States, Canada and from far away places such as England, Ireland, France, Japan, Germany and the United Arab Emirates to compete on this international stage that ends the horse racing season.

Fans can also watch morning workouts–including Breeders' Cup participants, October 21-29; enjoy a three-day FanFest: Texas… The Experience, October 22-24, featuring Texas music, cook-offs, and beer and wine tasting; a hot air balloon glow, October 23; a golf tournament at Hackberry Creek Country Club, October 25; and a Joe Fan Party featuring handicapping seminars and appearances by Breeders' Cup jockeys, October 28.

In addition to hosting the most esteemed event in Thoroughbred horse racing, the 2004 Breeders' Cup, Grand Prairie is home to some of Dallas/Fort Worth's top tourist attractions: Traders Village, a Texas Size Flea Market; Louis Tussaud's Palace of Wax; Ripley's Believe It or Not!; Joe Pool Lake; Nokia Theatre; Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie, and other entertainment venues.

“You've Gotta See This Place!” Traders Village, a Texas size flea market, located on 125 acres, hosts more than 2,000 unique vendors every Saturday and Sunday. Shopping, special events and festivals occur year round at Traders Village. September is no exception with the 42nd Annual National Championship Indian Pow Wow, September 10-12; Fiestas Patrias, September 19, and the Fall Auto Swap Meet, September 24-26. Also, Traders Village has a variety of kiddy rides, arcade games and festival foods. Admission is free and parking is $2. Did you bring your skateboard? GPX Skate Park & Entertainment Center is a first class, competitive skate park. Even without your in-line skates, bike or board, there's plenty of excitement in just watching. Open year-round.

Louis Tussaud's Palace of Wax and Ripley's Believe It or Not! are two top family attractions in one location. Just seven minutes east of Six Flags Over Texas, the Palace of Wax recreates the famous and infamous with more than 220 life-like figures. The new Ripley's Believe It or Not! Theatre will astound you at Ripley's Believe It or Not!. Open daily 10 a.m.

While in town, relax and enjoy the outdoors at beautiful Joe Pool Lake. Bring a loaf of bread and watch as fish, ducks and geese rush into a feeding frenzy at Lynn Creek Marina. Then, satisfy your hunger and thirst next door at the Oasis Grill and Bar, a floating restaurant. Weekends, live entertainment keeps the place jumping as you dine with a panoramic view of the lake. Beautiful Lynn Creek Park on Joe Pool Lake offers picnic areas, beaches, swimming, and boating. Loyd Park offers all of this and camping, too.

If it's golf you enjoy, then we've got just the place. Tangle Ridge Golf Course, ranked one of the top courses in the state, offers a country club atmosphere on a daily fee course, or try scenic Prairie Lakes Golf Course, one of the best values in the Metroplex with $21 green fees.

But save some of your energy. On October 1, Breeders' Cup FanFest kicks up the excitement level. FanFest is a month of fun events leading up to the 2004 Breeders' Cup on October 30. Check out the full calendar of events at www.gptexas.com.

Before heading for home, you're sure to find the best selection of Texas and Breeders' Cup souvenirs at Grand Prairie's Tourist Information Center Gift Shop, 2170 N. Beltline Rd., located in front of gate 1 at Lone Star Park. For traveler information, call 972-263-9588.

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