Canterbury Park to hold Indian horse relay races

American Indian riders in full regalia will race bareback and exchange horses at top speed during the first Battle at Canterbury Park Indian Horse Relay Sept. 12-14.

The sport of Indian horse relay dates back 400 years to the Great Plains tribes after horses were introduced to the continent by Europeans, according to the racetrack.

The tradition has continued ever since, and Canterbury's event will feature nine of the top teams in the country representing many different American Indian nations.

The teams consist of three horses and four warriors: one rider, one holder, one set-up man and a mugger (the horse catcher). Teams will compete in two heats per night on Sept. 12-13, and all nine teams will take part in the championship race on Saturday, Sept. 14. The relays will be conducted between thoroughbred horse races.

"We look forward to hosting this event and introducing this fast, thrilling and exciting exhibition of horsemanship and athleticism to our fans," Canterbury Park CEO Randy Sampson said in a news release.

The event is sanctioned by the Professional Indian Horse Racing Association.

"On many reservations, Indian horse relay is helping reconnect young people with their cultural heritage and traditions through horses," said Chairman Charlie Vig of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. The tribe and the racetrack are completing the first full year of a cooperative marketing agreement through which the tribe helps fund purses at the racetrack.

For more information, see www.canterburypark.com or www.professionalindian horseracingassociation.com.

EAGAN

Caponi photo contest deadline is Oct. 6

Caponi Art Park is looking for entries for its annual contest of photos taken at the park during the current season.

Entrants can submit up to five images before the Oct. 6 deadline. Select photographs will be displayed at the Caponi Art Park photography exhibition at the Eagan Community Center this winter, and top-placing photographers will also get enlarged prints of their winning shots after the exhibition.

Youth and adult entries will be judged in separate cate­gories. There is no cost to enter.

For more information, see www.caponiartpark.org/pro grams/photoprogram.

SCOTT COUNTY

Art crawl's pre-crawl kicks off this month

The Scott County Art Crawl preview is on through Sept. 27 at the Prior Lake, Savage and Shakopee libraries.

See a variety of original art created by local artists participating in the fourth annual self-guided studio tour and sale. Mediums include painting, photography, sculpture, glass, jewelry and pottery.

The crawl itself takes place Oct. 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes 18 "Art Stops" — studios and businesses along 50 miles of northern Scott County.

Maps are available at libraries and online at www.scottcountyartcrawl.org.

JORDAN

Heimatfest includes 'history race'

As part of this year's Heimatfest, the community festival in Jordan, you'll find a "history race" in which teams will compete to solve clues and find locations.

On Saturday, teams of two to five people bearing cameras to prove they did find the spots will learn a bit more about the historic city's past. It's sponsored by the Scott County Historical Society and the festival.

Teams will race on foot to each location. At least one team member must be photographed at each site. Prizes go to the three fastest teams solving all clues.

You can register on race day from 1:20-2 p.m. The race begins at 2 in Lagoon Park.

For details or to register, call 952-445-0378 or e-mail info@scottcountyhistory.org.

STAFF REPORTS

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