Hastings Entertainment Incorporated: Characters of Every Description Begin Training for Aug. 16 Mascot Derby at Hastings Racecourse

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Aug. 7, 2009) - They will be 'racing celebrities' for a day when the inaugural Variety Mascot Derby launches on Sunday, Aug. 16 at Hastings Racecourse. A total of 24 fluffy and friendly characters will be on hand to help raise funds for Variety - The Children's Charity. The mascots will be meeting and mingling with fans throughout the afternoon prior to an exciting obstacle race from track level at approximately 4:05 p.m. Patrons can support their favourite mascots through pledges with the chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas, a River Rock Casino Resort package and much more. Mascot rivalries have already been established with Mr. Fox (99.3 FM) facing Mr. JR Mewing from JRFM, not to mention the Canucks (Fin), BC Lions (Leo the Lion), Canadians (Bob Brown Bear), Giants (Jack), Whitecaps (Winger) and Surrey Eagles (another Winger) vying for bragging rights among the sporting fraternity. Will the PNE's KC Bear have home advantage? Will the Vancouver Aquarium's Beep Bop Beluga recognize the Port Metro Vancouver's Salty and The Captain from B.C. Ferries? Will the world-famous Mr. Peanut remember Ronald McDonald? These questions and others await answers in the special Mascot Village in the Marquee Tent, open to the public with no admission charge. Regular thoroughbred racing will add to the excitement throughout the afternoon beginning at 1:25. Global TV's popular Squire Barnes will be in the winner's circle with the entire team of mascots following the 100-yard obstacle race at approximately 4:05 p.m. Doors open at Hastings Racecourse at noon. "It's wonderful to see Variety and Hastings Racecourse join forces to help raise money for children," says Howard Blank, Vice President, Media and Entertainment at Great Canadian Gaming Corporation. "It promises to be a fun-filled afternoon that will only grow in future years." /T/ What: Mascot Derby (Free Admission) When: Sunday, August 16, 2009 -: start time: noon (12:00 pm) Where: Hastings Racecourse, 188 N. Renfrew Street, Vancouver, BC., V5K 3N8 (PNE Gate 8) /T/