Forget horsepower. This race is all about goat power.

On Saturday, Sept. 13, Falmouth Goat Races, organized and sponsored by the nonprofit Falmouth Civic Association, will be held at David Gerber Field at Governor Stable Park, 101 Governor Stable Road, Elizabethtown. Registration to race with your goat will start at 9 a.m. An opening ceremony and Blessing of the Goats will take place at 10 a.m., with the first race kicking off at 11 a.m. For people who arrive early to the park, breakfast will be served by two on-site vendors beginning at 6 a.m.

"This event is one of a kind," said Brandie Cramer, Falmouth Civic Association committee member. "There is nothing like it in the area. It's chockfull of family fun, and it's something the whole family can enjoy. Once you come one time, you will want to come again."

Along with racing goats, the event will feature more than 25 craft vendors in a maker's market. Goat race merchandise will be for sale, featuring a new logo, and numerous local food vendors will provide refreshments for sale.

"Ice cream is made right there at the park the old-fashioned way, thanks to Milton Grove Church," Cramer shared. "Fresh kettle corn is popped all day long. We are welcoming a barbecue truck this year and mini doughnuts made fresh, just to name a few."

Items donated by local businesses will be available to win, and the Bainbridge Fire Department will be on-site with a touch-a-truck opportunity from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cow Patty Bingo will be held, along with a 50/50 giveaway. Pony rides will be offered between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and a local farm will bring baby goats to snuggle for a small fee.

"Homestead Helpers will be coming this year to set up a 'Pitstop Pedicure' booth for pre- and post-race hoof care for the goats, if the owner chooses to give their goat an extra edge in the races," Cramer said. "We are also offering face painting, and there is a playground at the park for the kids to enjoy."

The Falmouth Goat Races began as a prank. A few local men were lamenting losses at the horse track when one man joked about betting on goats instead. His friend ran a newspaper ad for goat races and listed the man's number. Calls poured in, and what started as a joke quickly turned into a favorite community event.

"This event started in 1979," Cramer shared. "There have been years we have canceled due to weather, COVID, and most recently, my grandmother passing, who was our president, but through all that this is our 45th year."

She noted that she's been involved with the event for all of her life, and she's joined in the organizing efforts by family members, including her mother, aunts, uncles and cousins.

"The goats that come to race are brought by the racers," Cramer explained. "These are people's pets or their livelihood as farm animals. We have been told people practice racing with them over the year in order to be ready for race day."

She noted that due to the importance of the goats to their racers, race organizers set a high standard on animal care and safety, making sure that the goat's care and comfort come first throughout the day.

Proceeds from the goat races are used to keep the event operating year after year, and money also goes back into the community. Funds from the goat races have gone toward building the park playground, supporting local fundraisers and assisting families in need. The civic association also lines Route 441 with flags each year to honor veterans.

"What's important to us is community and keeping everything we raise right here in the area that helps make this event so amazing and that has continued to support us," she said. "The only right thing to do is to turn around and lift and support this community as a thank you."

When Cramer's grandmother, Nancy Putt-Hower, passed away in February of 2023, the family was uncertain if the goat races would continue.

"She was the last of the original group of amazing people who created this event into what it is, and she did so much behind the scenes that no one knew about," Cramer commented. "But the community, the fans, outpoured their love for this event. They didn't want to see it end."

In 2024, organizers put a call out to the community for help if the goat races were to go on, and the community responded. A committee of volunteers was formed, and this year's event promises to be better than ever, Cramer said, adding, "This group of people brought an energy and an excitement that revived our love for this event, and I am proud to say this year has the makings to be the best goat race we have ever had."

There is no admission charge for the event, but a small parking fee will be charged. No tickets are required to attend.

For updates, including items to win and information on the businesses that donated, follow "Falmouth Goat Race" on Facebook.