BANGOR – The starting gate will fold away tonight, signaling the start of the 119th season of harness racing at Bangor Raceway.

Meet director Fred Nichols had been hard at work trying to prepare the raceway for the opening night card, which begins at 7:15.

“We’ve planted flowers and some other things but most of the money has gone toward equipment this year,” Nichols said.

The Bangor meet consists of 27 race days with the bulk taking place Friday nights and Sunday afternoons with a few Tuesday nights sprinkled in during June and July. The final day of the meet is Sunday afternoon, July 21.

“We have 27 racing days and we have some special events throughout the year,” Nichols said.

Among the events are the Big Shrine Trot and Shriners’ Parade on July 7. One week later, on July 14, the Pine Tree Series gets under way with its opening race at Bangor Raceway. Landmark Honor will defend the series crown he won last year.

Nichols said tonight’s card includes eight races. Nine more follow Sunday afternoon beginning at 1:30.

Also, beginning tonight Nichols said someone will have a chance to win $5,000 in a drawing.

“We’ll also be giving away a couple of round-trip air fares from Bangor to anywhere in the United States,” Nichols said.

Nichols pointed out that only one set of the tickets will be awarded and that they will be qualifying people for a grand drawing later during the meet.

Tonight’s feature race will be “very good mares” racing in the John R. Braden Series, honoring the former pacing legend.

A Dixieland Band will also be featured.

Nichols said he never knows what to expect for a crowd but that entrance is free and weather will have a bearing.

“Usually opening night is pretty good and it’s a good price,” Nichols said.

Fans can expect to see their favorite drivers and trainers.

“We have a nice contingent of [Canadian] Maritime horses here. They make up a good portion of the group. And Valerie Grondin, last year’s trainer of the year has just returned from a successful winter campaign in Ontario, Canada,” Nichols said.