I missed most of the action during Race Days in Raceland and don’t believe I did much of a job when writing it up for the newspaper.

In reality, I liked it a lot, and think organizers have a chance to make a memorable festival if they carry on with the momentum they’ve already built. Even in the heat of the afternoon, the small crowd in Raceland was welcoming to strangers, and I enjoyed a few minutes in the shade of a big tree listening to some good music.

They’re expanding the festival to three days next year, and I think it should be all-racing-all-the-time, with nonstop music from the stage.

Organizers are way ahead of me on this with success in the fields of stick horse and riding-mower racing. It could be fun if they were to add everything from crazy obstacle course races, to bicycle or even unicycle challenges (if there are more than two people locally capable of riding unicycles, that is).

I also appreciate the historical aspect of the event. It’s hard to imagine Raceland as a major tourist destination, although it certainly was for many years when they ran the ponies around the track there.

I don’t have a number to call, but if you want to help with next year’s event, track down Jim Craft or Don Sammons or any of the other Raceland-related folks who are planning to make next year’s Race Days even more exciting.

Guitars coming soon

I spoke with the owner of EJ’s Guitar Shop last week, who reported plans to have the new store open in the Kyova Mall in early September.

While everything is subject to change, the store plans to carry guitars built by Bob Thompson as well as banjos constructed by Joe Hardwick in addition to more affordable instruments, as well as accessories and instrument repairs.

I’ll pass along an opening date, phone number and more information when opening day is closer.

Gas and more

A reader with a preference for BP gasoline advises a stop by the BP station at Greenup Avenue and 30th Street, particularly between 5 and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday for the happy hour discount of 8 to 25 cents per gallon.

According to the consumer’s research, it is also the only place in the area to find French Vanilla Cappuccino flavor Alligator Ice beverages.

I’m not sure of the context on this part, but the field researcher tells me the current owner “knows how to treat his customers better than dear old dad.”

Back to 16th Street

I must have been in too much of a hurry to get last week’s column completed because I left out a couple of important pieces of information regarding the revitalization of small businesses along 16th Street in Ashland.

While I mentioned the corner of Greenup Avenue and 16th Street, I failed to mention the business there, Town & Country Design, whose owners have done a great job making the place look inviting. For more information, call (606) 325-0277.

And, there’s an often overlooked restaurant, Mary’s Kitchen and Catering, right in the middle of the block. I’m overdue for another lunch there. For more information, call (606) 465-8588.

Kids consignment

Melissa Triplett and Bridget Trent will be conducting their fall/winter Kids Consignment Sale at the Ceredo/Kenova Community Center from August 28 through 30.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.hiddentreasuresale.net or call (740) 479-1901 or (304) 617-6949.

TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2651.