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| Next year, Downtown Baltimore will be transformed from the city's business, entertainment and tourist hub into a world-class racecourse. This is the result of a new five-year agreement between the city and Baltimore Racing Development (BRD) to bring Indy-Car racing to Baltimore!
 Starting in August of 2011, our city will be the home for one of the most exciting sporting events in the world: The Baltimore Grand Prix!
This is not a dream. Soon, finely tuned race cars will speed around our beautiful Inner Harbor and Camden Yards while being cheered on by tens of thousands of fans-and millions of viewers around the world watching on television.
This race is a game-changer for Baltimore, and it will change the way the world sees our city.
We will join a list of exciting cities which host Grand Prix racing events: Sao Paolo, Brazil; Motegi, Japan; Toronto, Canada; Long Beach, California; and St. Petersburg, Florida.
Baltimore has been the home of one of the greatest American sporting events-the Preakness-for 135 years. This week, the eyes of the world will be on Baltimore as we host the second jewel in horseracing's Triple Crown.
Now we are a serious destination and home for Grand Prix Racing.
I want to thank some of the many people who played a role in bringing this race to the city:
- Councilman Bill Cole, who worked with our community associations to address concerns and provided important information for people in the communities most impacted by the three-day racing event. Councilman Cole has served as a staunch advocate for the City and his neighborhoods throughout this process.
- Governor Martin O'Malley and Maryland Transportation Secretary Beverley Swaim-Staley, who made repayable grants available to Baltimore. The Governor understands the importance of investing in unique opportunities that create jobs and economic benefits we would otherwise not receive.
The benefits for Baltimore go far beyond the international spotlight. According to BRD's estimates, reviewed by the Baltimore Development Corp, over five years the City will generate $11 million in direct tax revenue; 2,000 full-time equivalent jobs will be created; and, $250 million in spending will be injected into the local economy. The Baltimore Grand Prix is going to help make Baltimore a better, safer, and stronger city. I cannot wait to be there and see them wave the checkered flag! |
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Sincerely,
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
Mayor, City of Baltimore
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Sebastian Russo Memorial Award Nominations
The Baltimore City Health Department is soliciting nominations of healthcare providers who have made significant contributions to their field and to the city by providing dedicated and compassionate service to low-income individuals and families. Any medical doctor, nurse, physician's assistant or other health professional practicing in Baltimore City may be nominated for the award. The deadline for nominations is May 28. To learn more, visit www.baltimorehealth.org/russoaward. |
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Imagine 2060
Imagine the Baltimore Region in 2060. Decisions made today help to determine the future. That is why The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) are pleased to invite citizens and organizations from all around the Baltimore region to take part in a groundbreaking survey and series of workshops to imagine the future of transportation. Visit www.imagine2060.org to take the survey and learn more. |
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Market Day at Cylburn Arboretum Saturday, May 8, 8:00 am-2:00 pm
Enjoy this annual spring plant sale featuring plants from garden clubs, vendors and the Cylburn greenhouse. TreeBaltimore will be giving away FREE trees. Cylburn Arboretum is located at 4915 Greenspring Avenue.
For more information, call 410-396-0180. |
Ride Around the Reservoir Saturday, May 8, 10:00 am-1:00 pm
Enjoy a ride around the scenic Druid Hill Park Reservoir and Jones Falls Trail. Adult and children's bikes and helmets are available. A donation of $2 is appreciated.
Call 410-396-7900 for more information. |
Saturday, May 8, 2:00 pm
The Variety Children's Theater & Dance Project spring production, "Time Warp" takes you on a musical journey from the 1920s to the present day, featuring children with and without disabilities. Admission is $2. The production will be at Farring-Baybrook Recreation Center, 4501 Farring Court.
For more information, call 410-396-7900. |
Saturday, May 8, 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Take photos of our resident, rescued birds of prey in natural setting. All ages and levels of expertise welcome. No pets please. Registration is required, and costs $25 per person. The Carrie Murray Nature Center is located at 1901 Ridgetop Road.
To register, or for more information, call 410-396-0808. |
Plants & People Sunday: Exploration Station Sunday, May 9, 1:30 pm-3:30 pm
Join Master Gardener Sandy at the Young Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens with a hands-on kids activity that will surprise and delight! Recommended for children ages 6-12. Admission is free. A donation is appreciated. The conservatory is located at 3100 Swann Drive.
For more information, call 410-396-0008. |
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MECU's Pee Wee Preakness Tuesday, May 11, 11:30 am
Children ages 10 and under have fun with their own Preakness race, arts and crafts projects, games, mascots and more. The event is FREE and open to the public. MECU's Pee Wee Preakness is a part of Preakness Celebration Week. Area daycare centers, schools and recreation centers should register children by Friday, May 7, 5:00 pm. To sign up for MECU's Pee Wee Preakness e-mail ttharrington@promotionandarts.com. Registration is suggested, but walk-in entries are welcome.
For more information visit www.promotionandarts.com or call 877-225-8466. |
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Preakness Frog Hop Wednesday, May 12, 11:00 am
The spirit of Preakness comes alive as youth and adults jockey their frogs to the finish line. Trophies will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place finishers. All participants will receive a ribbon. This activity is FREE and open to the public. The frog hop will be at the Patterson Park Pulaski Monument, Eastern and Linwood Avenues.
Call 410-396-9392 to learn more. |
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Navy Bands in Concert May 12 & 13, 12:00 pm-1:00 pm
See the Navy's premier big bands in concert at the Inner Harbor. The United States Naval Academy Concert Band and the Next Wave band perform in honor of Armed Forces Day. On Wednesday, the Naval Academy's "oldest and finest" Concert Band entertains visitors with military-themed works. On Thursday, The Next Wave band performs jazz selections led by Chief Musician Joseph McCarthy. Both concerts take place at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater, located at Pratt and Light streets. The event is free and open to the public.
For more information, call 410-293-0263 or visit www.usna.edu/USNABand. |
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One Million Mentors Tour Thursday, May 13, 6:00 pm
Need a mentor? Interested in becoming a mentor? Join us at the Coppin State University New Athletic Complex, Gwynns Falls Parkway and Warwick Avenue, for the Million Mentor Tour to learn about exciting mentoring opportunities.
For more information, call 410-396-7900. |
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Family Fishing Fun Thursday, May 13, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Enjoy FREE fishing, fun, games, crafts, and prizes. An adult must accompany all children. This is "catch and release" fishing. Bring your own fishing rod or borrow one of ours. Bait will be provided. No fishing license is required during this event. Meet us at Patterson Park Boat Lake, 200 South Linwood Street.
For more information, call 410-396-9392. |
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