Farewell to Bay Meadows

Yesterday, my work's annual picnic was held where I spend most of my childhood - Bay Meadows Race track. LOL. Seriously. My dad was a serious gambler. That was probably one of the reasons why my parents divorced. My dad would drag us there practically every weekend. Oh the memories! I love to reminisce. I remember how men would get their shoes shined in between races. I remember the smell of beer and cigars at the bar where there were constant cheering. I remember how the floors were covered with bet vouchers and scantrons. I remember how the programs were used as noise makers. I remember how men would fold and stuff the programs behind their back pant pockets. I remember how my dad would ask us kids to pick a horse for good luck (i think). I remember going to the stable and seeing the horses before each race. Aah the wonderful smell of hay and dung! I remember how we would always wander off to the playground with no adult supervision. I remember the free giveaways during admission. Anyway, during our company outing I was approached by some very sad news. Bay Meadows' last day of operation will be this coming Sunday. Sad, right? All those memories will be torn down to build new home communities, schools, and business. Like we don't have enough of those already right? Hillsdale will just be the congestion capital of San Mateo. Truly sad. 74 years of memories down the drain. That's why this Saturday, I will attending the races for the last time in my life. How dramatic right? My dad must be hella pissed off in heaven. It's OK Dad...I'll bring you a final Bay Meadows souvenir on Sunday. Just hope the deers down eat it!