Tickets are still available for Steeplechase-related events

The 2008 Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens will be run Saturday. The first race doesn't start until noon, but the gates open at 10 a.m.

But before the horse race begins, there is one event that you can still buy tickets for: the Chasers' Eve Ball Friday night. This year, the price has been lowered to $75, and the dress is much more casual. It's a blue jeans, western shirt and boots kind of event now. Up-and-coming country act JYPSI will perform. Food will be provided at the RiverMill Event Centre by internationally acclaimed chef Jamie Keating. There will be a mechanical bull for the adventurous to try and a silent auction with plenty of trips, art by Steven Penley, a red carpet movie event, hunting trips, estate jewelry and silver.

The Galloping Gourmets which pits chefs against each other, has been a sold-out part of Steeplechase, but this year, tickets are still available for $20. The Galloping Gourmets is 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday in the Horseshoes Tent on the Steeplechase site.

"Another thing, a 2009 Acura TL will be given away in a raffle," race day director Claudia Garrard said. "Only 1,000 tickets will be sold, so there is a good chance to win. The drawing is at 3:30 p.m. and you don't have to be present to win."

A raffle ticket is $100.

Tickets for Steeplechase are $25-$6,000. If going to the Infield, parking is $25.

Call 706-324-6252.