'And They're Off!!' exhibit opens, recounts Santa Anita's impact on community

'And They're Off!!' exhibit opens, recounts Santa Anita's

impact on community

The Ruth and Charles Gilb Arcadia Historical Museum has announced the

creation of "And They're Off!!," an exhibit chronicling the historical impact of

Santa Anita Park on the city of Arcadia, California, and its impact on the

community at-large. The exhibit, which is fully entitled "And They're Off!!

Euphemera and Images of Santa Anita Park," is scheduled to open at 10 a.m. (PST)

on Saturday, and will remain open through January 21.

Santa Anita Paddock Guard John Shear will be a featured speaker for the

exhibit's opening and will be available for interviews and questions. Shear, at

the age of 90, earned national acclaim this past March as he likely saved the

life of a six-year-old girl from a runaway horse just outside Santa Anita's

walking ring. A seasonal employee at The Great Race Place since December 23,

1961, Shear was employed prior to that in various capacities on Santa Anita's

backstretch as a groom, exercise rider and trainer, dating back to 1958.

"Having Mr. Shear with us for the unveiling of the exhibit is really

exciting," said Dana Dunn, curator of the Ruth and Charles Gilb Arcadia

Historical Museum. "He's been a part of Santa Anita's history for over 50 years

and his act of heroism earlier this year was truly remarkable. We're anxious for

him to see what we've put together and for him to be a part of this."

"And They're Off " will include a wide array of racing memorabilia.

"We've put this exhibit together in collaboration with Santa Anita Park,"

Dunn said. "Santa Anita has donated a number of archival photographs and we'll

also be displaying artifacts and euphemera from various time periods that will

showcase jockeys, horses, people and events that span a number of decades. I

think people are going to be very impressed."

Dunn also noted that the exhibit will chronicle Santa Anita's considerable

economic impact on the city of Arcadia and the region at-large.

"Since its inception in 1934, Santa Anita has been a driving force in

Arcadia's economic vitality and that of our surrounding cities," he added.

"Whether it's been through direct employment, taxes paid to the city, county and

state, or the economic effect of thousands of horseplayers and employees

spending money, Santa Anita has been resolute in terms of its economic footprint

in the community."

For more information on the Ruth and Charles Gilb Arcadia Historical Museum,

please click

here or call 626-574-5468.