The event's formal ball, to be held Friday night, has been sold out for two months. The 1,000 tickets to the event's tent party, which kicks off Saturday's race, are all but gone. And race day is expected to be as busy as ever with an estimated 25,000 people in attendance, event coordinator Mia Brasco said.

"We've always been a successful event," said Ms. Brasco, who has coordinated the race for five years. But "this will be the most successful event so far."

It appears the weather will cooperate Saturday. Forecasters are calling for partly cloudy skies with a high of 59 degrees and a low of 36.

Ms. Brasco said five steeplechase races and one flat race will be run. The first contest starts at 1 p.m.; the last race is run at 4:30 p.m.

The races will be at Ford Conger Field, which sits at Audubon Drive and Two Notch Road. Tickets cost $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. About 10,000 tickets have already been sold, Ms. Brasco said.

Reservations must be made to park in the infield. Passes cost $25. Reservations are also required for RV parking, and the cost is $50.

According to organizers, traffic flow will be restricted in the area immediately around Ford Conger Field, with specific lanes on Powderhouse Road being used to route traffic to particular gates.

Those attending the steeplechase should look for signs directing them to their gates, and other traffic should avoid Powderhouse Road, organizers said.

Twenty shops will be set up at the race track, and will offer antiques, jewelry, equestrian clothing and art.

The Aiken Steeplechase was first run in 1931, but races were suspended during World War II.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Aiken Steeplechase

WHEN: Saturday

LOCATION: Ford Conger Field

POST TIME: 1 p.m.

ADMISSION: $10 in advance, $15 at gate

Reach Josh Gelinas at (803) 279-6895 or josh.gelinas@augustachronicle.com.