Preakness at the Piazza is back for year four

If you can’t make it down to Baltimore to see the Preakness live and in person, don’t despair. You can still get dressed up and mingle with your fellow equestrian fans right here in Philadelphia — and even help out a terrific cause while doing so.

For the 4th year in a row, Preakness at the Piazza will take over the Piazza at Schmidt’s in Northern Liberties. The event, which will be held on Saturday, May 21 from 5:00PM to 9:30 PM, has successfully raised over $100,000 each year for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. MS currently affects over 15,000 people in the Delaware Valley alone. The cause is something very personal to the team of nearly 50 young professionals who get together once a month to plan the event each year, as many of them personally know someone who suffers from the disease.

“Good Day Philadelphia” anchor, Alex Holley comments:

“MS affects so many people — to the point where pretty much everyone knows someone who is affected by it or they are dealing with it themselves. I have a friend who was recently diagnosed and is dealing with it. I saw her learn about the disease and how it’s going to affect her for the rest of her life. So any way that I can help to raise awareness and money to help treat this disease — I’m in!”

Preakness at the Piazza promises a day full of fun, including an open bar, food buffets, raffles, and dancing; guests will be able to enjoy a live band and DJ for the first time in the event’s history.
“Rain? Who cares?! We have tents!” Kate Marlys, spokesperson for the event, exclaimed.
Of course, the highlight of the day will be the live broadcast of the 141st Preakness, which will be on bright, dazzling display on the Piazza’s 400-square foot LED television.

As always, guests are encouraged to dress in their finest derby attire–yes, this includes comically oversized hats and wholly outdated bow ties. A panel of local personalities will be on hand to judge several fashion contests, including Bex of 96.5 AMP, Ike Reese of Sportsradio 94WIP, Meisha Johnson of CBS3, and Malcolm Jenkins of the Philadelphia Eagles. The entire event will be hosted by Alex Holley and CBS3 reporter Pat Gallen.

If you go:
Tickets for Preakness at the Piazza are $75. For more information, be sure to visit preaknessatthepiazza.com.