WILLOWDALE: The Steeplechase is May 15

West Marlborough resident Tom Herman told me he's looking forward to playing the National Anthem on his trumpet to kick off the Willowdale Steeplechase at noon on Sunday, May 15.
"I've never played the Star Spangled Banner as a solo so it will be a lot of fun," he said.
Tom has figured out a clever way to combine his interests in music and history: he's a Civil War re-enactor who portrays a Union Army bugler; you may have seen him marching in Kennett Square's epic Memorial Day parade. He'll also be working as the official timer at the races.
Gates open for the Steeplechase at 10 a.m. Pony races start at 12:15 p.m. and the final race is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. General admission tickets at $30 per person in advance, $35 at the gate. Willowdale always offers great races and terrific socializing and people-watching. I'm very much looking forward to it.
Proceeds from the Steeplechase benefit the Stroud Water Research Center, New Bolton Center and Quest Therapeutic Services.