Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie, which expanded its annual holiday post-race fireworks extravaganza this year from one night to two, set a two-day attendance record for the six-year-old facility. Crowds for the July 3-4 twilight racing programs totaled a hefty 46,456, up 30% from 2002 totals. Each of the 10-race programs featured a 20-minute post-race fireworks show and concert.

A legion of 20,138 was lured Thursday, which showcased southern rockers .38 Special in concert. Another 26,318 came back on the Fourth of July, which featured the $100,000 Walmac Lone Star Oaks – won by Petionville Indeed – and a performance by country artist Charlie Robison.

The two-day attendance total surpassed the 42,318 on July 3-4, 2000. A record 33,805 attended that year’s July 3 program.