Saddle up and get ready to gallop… Irish Fair is bringing you a Night at the Races!
Join us for an evening packed with excitement as we bring the thrill of the racetrack to you—no fancy hat required. Place your bets on real, recorded horse races, root for your favorites, and turn your winnings into fabulous prizes. Choose which horse sounds most likely to win. Will Sir Gallop-a-Lot or Hoof Hearted win? Or will it be a horse that you named? You can spend your funny money on any horse for a chance to win. It’s a night of friendly competition, good company, and great craic—all for a great cause. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action!
Every dollar raised helps keep the Irish Fair of Minnesota alive and thriving — preserving our community’s culture, music, and spirit for years to come.
Mark your calendar now!
December 6th, doors open 7pm
Celtic Junction Arts Center
Entrance Fee: $25 (tickets sold at the door, no online sales available)
John Cosgrove of the Crafty Rouges podcast will be our emcee for the evening
How it Works
It’s easy to join the fun!
Your ticket includes $100 in Funny Money to start placing bets. We’ll run five thrilling races, beginning at 7:30 PM and continuing every 45 minutes throughout the evening.
You can bet as little—or as boldly—as you like on each race. Didn’t pick a winner in the first race and need more Funny Money? No problem! You can top up anytime: $20 gets you another $100 in Funny Money.
Want to get in on the action early?
Name a Horse – $10
Name a Jockey – $10
Add a personal (and often hilarious) touch to the races everyone will remember!
Want to sponsor a race?
Be an even bigger part of helping us raise money for the Irish Fair and be a race sponsor!
For $250, your company gets:
- Logo on the race timer & program*
- A live shout-out from our emcee
- 2 VIP tickets to next year’s Irish Fair
(*To be included in the printed program, entries must be submitted prior to the Race Night.)
Winners and Prizes
Every race winner gets the betting money pot for the race. At the end of the night, you use your winnings to win prizes from the raffle.
Eat and Drink
Enjoy complimentary snacks along with a full cash bar with Irish beer, spirits, and wine.
Don’t miss your chance to bet, win, and celebrate — all while supporting a great cause.
And, in case you were wondering “why horse racing?”...
Horse racing has been an integral part of Irish culture for centuries. Dating back to the 17th century, Ireland quickly became renowned for breeding some of the world’s finest thoroughbreds, thanks to its lush pastures (all that green, remember?) and expert horsemanship. From legendary flat races to challenging steeplechases, racing is more than a sport—it’s a celebration of skill, tradition, and community.
Today, horse racing remains a cornerstone of Irish life, drawing crowds to iconic tracks like Leopardstown, The Curragh, and Galway, and fueling a vibrant industry that supports farmers, trainers, jockeys, and local economies. It’s more than just competition, it’s a cultural touchstone, bringing together families and friends to share in the excitement, pageantry, and enduring love of horses. Next time you’re in Ireland, if you’re staying in a B&B, be on the lookout for a portrait of a racehorse somewhere in the common area!