SVM INTERVIEW
and Gunby and Claudia with her husbBrandt and Ford. sons, Gunby,
Claudia Garrard,
Race Director
You are this year’s new Race Director for The Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens. How did you first become involved with the organization? I have Lucy Knight to thank. She asked me to handle the infield entertainment when she was Race Director in 2002. I have had various jobs working on the event since.
This year promises to be truly extraordinary. What events and activities can first-time-race-goers look forward to? This event is for the entire family. We have terrier races, the Antholl Highlanders on the bag pipes, a newly designed terrace area and the all-new Kids Corral. Children’s wrist band may be purchased for $15. This includes entry in the stick pony race, games, arts and crafts and amusements in the Corral and lots of delicious snacks.
Our patrons will be overwhelmed to see the new layout, which offers much better views of the race track. The new layout takes our Steeplechase to a whole new level. The Steeplechase has a substantial investment in the new race facilities. How far along is the project and can we expect it be completed by Race Day? I was at the site yesterday. Bo Smith and his team from Vance Smith Construction have done a spectacular job grading the site- we are now ready to lay sod and we will then be ready for Race Day. Our patrons will be overwhelmed to see the new layout, which offers much better views of the race track. Mason Lampton has such vision for this event. The new layout takes our Steeplechase to a whole new level. Our community should be grateful to him for his significant contributions.
Race Director is a huge job. How do you manage juggling family life with your volunteer responsibilities? The hardest part about being Race Director is putting together your committee. Once I did that, my job became about making sure that each committee chairperson is taking care of their duties and watching the bottom line. My job is now easy thanks to an incredible committee and the Steeplechase staff. My committee is strong. I am overwhelmed by the show of dedication in making this a successful event. The Steeplechase staff keeps me in line, making me aware of what I need to do and where and when I need to do it. The best part of the job is the friendships I have made through my work. svm
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OCT/NOV 2008
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