Now that Wills and Kate have taken their vows, the year’s biggest social event is coming to a close. But Charlottesville won’t have to wait long to indulge its aristocratic side again. Saturday marks the running of the annual Spring Foxfield Races, where sundresses and seersucker suits are standard dress for attendees. Now in its 33rd year, the races often serve as a final celebration for UVA students before end-of-semester exams begin, or for locals eager to celebrate spring.
And, boy, do the crowds celebrate. According to the Daily Progress, police made 45 arrests and issued 26 summons at Foxfield in 2010 for charges including public intoxication, underage drinking, and cocaine possession. In recent years, Foxfield officials have restricted cooler sizes to limit alcohol consumption and allowed for overnight parking in an attempt to cut down on drunk driving after the races. Additionally, the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors outlawed public urination last fall in response to its prevalence at the April races.
Attendees can expect a strong police presence on Saturday, when nearly 100 officials will gather on Garth Road to control traffic and monitor drinking. Last year, 15 state troopers and 12 officials from the Virginia Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control joined 70 Albemarle police officers to patrol Foxfield grounds.
Fitting with the preppy nature of the Spring Races, Vineyard Vines will help sponsor this year’s festivities. The company has even designed an official, UVA-inspired orange and blue Foxfield tie that will be awarded to race winners as part of the trophy presentation. Race organizers expect a crowd of at least 25,000 under sunny skies, and temperatures in the mid-70s.