Vernon Downs Announces Details of Two Can’t-Miss Events

Details of New Years Eve Festivities and Upcoming ‘Ultimate Aldean’ Concert Announced

Vernon, N.Y. – December 26, 2017 – Racing may be over for the season, but the fun is still in full swing at Vernon Downs Casino & Hotel!

Ring in the New Year at Vernon Downs on Sunday, December 31st! With a balloon drop, free party favors while supplies last, and a complimentary champagne toast for patrons aged 21 and older, the 2018 New Years Eve bash is sure to be a night you won’t forget. Guests will enjoy live entertainment by local favorite Grit N Grace. Indulge in a dinner buffet and late night breakfast at Champions, or hit Mr. G’s Food & Spirits for a New Year’s Eve Dinner and New Year’s Day Breakfast Buffet.

Ultimate Aldean will rock Vernon Downs on at 7 p.m. on Saturday, January 20. Ultimate Aldean is the #1 Jason Aldean Tribute Artist in the country. Greg West, a gifted musician with a striking resemblance to country sensation Jason Aldean, began his musical career with guitar lessons at age 14. In the last several years, he’s taken his talents national, performing his Aldean shows at casinos, cruises, fairs, clubs and festivals around the country. Tickets are currently on sale at the Vernon Downs Players Club or Ticketmaster.com for $15, and will be available on the day of the show for $20.

In addition to its video lottery terminals, Vernon Downs offers live harness racing, concerts and other entertainment. Jeff Gural owns Vernon Downs in Vernon, NY and Tioga Downs in Nichols, NY.  In the last decade, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 1,000 family-sustaining jobs. For more information on Vernon Downs, please visit www.vernondowns.com.

Calling All Brides: Vernon Downs to Host Annual Bridal Show

Local Vendors Featured, Giveaways Offered at Bridal Show March 4^th

Vernon, N.Y. – February 23, 2017 – Are you a bride to be, seeking inspiration for your dream wedding day? Look no further than Vernon Downs 2018 Bridal Show, where you may just find your ideal wedding venue and the perfect wedding vendors, all in one place!

The annual bridal show will be held from 12 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 4 in the elegant ballroom at Vernon Downs, an ideal location for any wedding. Brides will experience a state of the art catering facility and a scenic setting that overlooks the racetrack and is known for its beautiful sunsets. The ballroom boasts a spacious 6,750 square feet, while the roof top terrace is 6,146 square feet, making Vernon Downs a superb choice to accommodate ceremonies and receptions of all sizes in one convenient location.

The bridal show will showcase the best wedding vendors Central New York has to offer. From appetizers and desserts to live entertainment to photography, brides will have a chance to see, hear and taste firsthand all these wonderful vendors have to offer. Sponsors for this year’s bridal show include decorating sponsor, Bella’s Events and DJ sponsor, Kenny the Promo Guy. Other vendors include AJ’s Photography, LaBella Flowers, Lu La Roe, Lip Sense, Whitesboro Body Fit, Village Florals, Majestic DJ Service and many more.

Brides in attendance will have a chance to win big! There will be multiple giveaways, including the Something New and for You Vendor Giveaway and the Dig for the Diamond Contest, sponsored by Lennon’s W.B. Wilcox Jewelers. The winner of that contest will take home a $1,000 gift certificate from Lennon’s.

Brides are encouraged to bring guests with them to see and sample these vendors. Whether it’s your fiancé, your mother or future mother-in-law or your maid of honor, please feel free to bring anyone who will be an important part of planning the big day! Please click here to register online.

In addition to its video lottery terminals, Vernon Downs offers live harness racing, concerts and other entertainment. Jeff Gural owns Vernon Downs in Vernon, NY and Tioga Downs in Nichols, NY.  In the last decade, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 1,000 family-sustaining jobs. For more information on Vernon Downs, please visit www.vernondowns.com.

Tioga Downs seeks experienced casino personnel to aid in expansion

Sister property to host job fair next week

Nichols, N.Y. - August 18, 2016 - As expansion efforts continue at Tioga Downs, the entertainment complex is seeking experienced casino personnel to join to its growing team. Sister property Vernon Downs will host a job fair Monday, August 22, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. inside its events center.

Hiring managers need to fill a variety of full and part-time positions, all of which offer a competitive benefits package. Executives at Tioga Downs hope to be awarded a Class III casino license soon and are encouraging anyone with experience as a dealer, casino supervisor, surveillance operator, host, slot technician or other gaming operations to submit an application and/or attend the casino's job fair.

"As we look to the future, Tioga Downs simply needs more experienced people on its already outstanding staff in order to maintain the level of quality that our guests have come to expect," said owner Jeff Gural. "In order to attract the best talent, we offer highly competitive compensation to our employees."

Those benefits include a full range of insurance options, including heath, dental, vision and life, plus 401 K plans and paid time off work.

Just last week, Tioga Downs unveiled the first finished new gaming section of the major renovation underway at the entertainment complex. More than 250 video lottery terminals have been moved into the new gaming area for guests to enjoy. Major renovations to expand the Tioga Downs Casino will make way for table games that a Class III license would allow the facility to offer.

This year marks the tenth anniversary celebration for Tioga Downs. The entertainment complex offers live harness racing, video lottery terminals, video poker and electronic table games. A variety of eateries are also part of the racino. Jeff Gural owns Tioga Downs in Nichols, NY and Vernon Downs in Vernon, NY. Tioga Downs was recently recommended by the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board for a full gaming license. In the last decade, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 700 family-sustaining jobs and donated millions to nonprofit organizations. For more information on Tioga Downs, please visit www.tiogadowns.com.

Vernon Downs helps Food Bank of Central New York raise over $70,000 in donations

Grand Funk Railroad concert proves successful

Vernon, N.Y. - August 18, 2016 - Friday's Grand Funk Railroad concert helped Vernon Downs raise significant funds for Food Bank of Central New York. A combination of proceeds from ticket sales and a personal donation by owner Jeff Gural equals a gift in the amount of $70,000, which will be made to the charity. Food Bank of Central New York itself was able to collect an additional $675.23 in cash donations at the door, bringing the total monies raised by the entire event to $70,675.23.

Vernon Downs sold 2,323 concert tickets at $15 each to raise the first $34,835. The donation amount doubled after Gural's personal donation of $35,165 to more than match ticket sales. In addition to the monetary gift, Gural also donated tickets to the USO for service members and their families to attend the show.

"We are so thankful for the incredible generosity Vernon Downs and Mr. Gural have expressed over the years," said Kathleen Stress, Executive Director of Food Bank of Central New York. "Their support has allowed us to focus on our mission of helping others when they are hungry and need it the most."

Food Bank of Central New York works to eliminate hunger through nutritious food distribution, education, and advocacy in cooperation with the community.

In addition to its video gaming machines, Vernon Downs offers live harness racing, concerts and other entertainment. Jeff Gural owns Vernon Downs in Vernon, NY and Tioga Downs in Nichols, NY.  In the last decade, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 700 family-sustaining jobs. For more information on Vernon Downs, please visit www.vernondowns.com.

They're Back! Camel and Ostrich racing returns to Vernon Downs

Special guest racers to entertain Father's Day crowds

Vernon, N.Y. - June 12, 2016 - The annual favorite camel and ostrich races are returning to Vernon Downs this year. One of the more popular racing events of the season, more than 5,000 people come out each year to witness these unlikely racers when they take to the track. This year, the furry and feathered friends will entertain audiences on Father's Day, Sunday June 19 as part of a special night of racing with a post time of 6:45 pm.

As in the past, there is no wagering on camel and ostrich races, which will take place between regularly scheduled harness racing that evening. One race will feature four camels competing to cross the finish line first, and three ostriches will vie for a separate title in their own race. The camels and ostriches that will participate in the exhibition come from Hedrick's Animal Farm in Kansas and travel all over the country performing at racetracks, fairs and other events.

Also on the schedule for Father's Day racing are the $500,000 finals of the Empire Breeders' Classic for New York's premier three-year-old trotters. Dads can also enter to win a Massey Ferguson riding lawnmower, courtesy of Clinton Tractor.

Guests of all ages are invited to enjoy these special events, as well as all harness races during the Vernon Downs season. Only guests 18 and older are permitted to wager and take place in special promotions.

In addition to its video gaming machines, Vernon Downs offers live harness racing, concerts and other entertainment. Jeff Gural owns Vernon Downs in Vernon, NY and Tioga Downs in Nichols, NY.  In the last decade, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 700 family-sustaining jobs. For more information on Vernon Downs, please visit www.vernondowns.com.

Holiday weekend offers three days of racing at Vernon Downs

Special Memorial Day promotions planned

Vernon, N.Y. - May 25, 2016 - Harness racing fans looking for something to do this holiday weekend need to look no farther than Vernon Downs. Three days of racing are planned along with special promotions to celebrate the traditional start of summer.

Memorial Day Weekend racing begins Friday, May 27 and Saturday, May 28 with a post time of 6:45 pm both evenings. A special promotion Saturday gives the first 500 fans over age 18 a chance to scratch and win up to a $250 first prize. Plus, New York's premiere three-year-old filly trotters compete in the New York Sire Stakes.

Monday afternoon racing is scheduled for Memorial Day beginning at 1:25 pm. Fans arriving early will receive a red, white and blue themed Vernon Downs baseball hat with program purchase, while supplies last.

Live local harness racing continues throughout the season at Vernon Downs primarily Thursday thru Saturday with a few Sunday and holiday Monday races planned. Nearly 100 additional races, including the June 11 Belmont Stakes, are streamed each week in the state of the art simulcast room. Three large screens bring the action from the most popular tracks across the country to Vernon Downs. Individual carrels and private tables also feature LCD TV's.

In addition to its video gaming machines, Vernon Downs offers live harness racing, concerts and other entertainment. Jeff Gural owns Vernon Downs in Vernon, NY and Tioga Downs in Nichols, NY. In the last decade, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 700 family-sustaining jobs. For more information on Vernon Downs, please visit www.vernondowns.com.

Racing fans to watch, wager on Preakness at Vernon Downs

Simulcast of Nyquist pursuit of second jewel planned for May 21

Vernon, N.Y. - May 17, 2016 - Central New York harness racing fans who won't want to miss Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist's pursuit of the second jewel of the Triple Crown will have to travel no further than Vernon Downs to watch the 141st Preakness on May 21. Live racing at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore begins at 10:30 am, and the Preakness post time is set for 6:45 pm.

Nyquist is already gaining attention not only for his 2016 Kentucky Derby victory but also for winning the 2015 Breeders' Cup Juvenile. This makes him only the second horse to complete the Juvenile-Derby double. His team sets their sights now on the next leg of a hopeful Triple Crown victory. If successful Saturday, Nyquist will advance to the Belmont Stakes June 11 and attempt to sweep the series.

Live local racing following the Preakness features the New York Sire Stakes for 3-year-old trotters and a handicapping contest which carries a $250 first prize. There is no charge to participate. This season, Vernon Downs will host live racing primarily Thursday through Saturday with a few Sunday and usual holiday Monday races planned. Several top-class stakes races make up the 2016 racing calendar.

In addition to its video gaming machines, Vernon Downs offers live harness racing, concerts and other entertainment. Jeff Gural owns Vernon Downs in Vernon, NY and Tioga Downs in Nichols, NY.  In the last decade, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 700 family-sustaining jobs. For more information on Vernon Downs, please visit www.vernondowns.com.