Greyhound tracks have to compete with many summer activities. People are enjoying the good weather. They can go to the beach, have a picnic, or watch a movie without having to deal with icy roads or cold weather. Children do not go to school and their parents can take a vacation and spend it camping with them or on the beach.

So to get people to hit the track, many places offer rewards or special promotions. Some of these may include prizes as big as new cars or as small as free soda, cheap beer, and food. Everything is designed by their advertising people so that more people come to the track. They believe that once you take them there for food or gifts, they will bet on some races. Why not?

Sometimes someone has the brilliant idea that the music will bring people to the track. Why is this, I have never been able to find out. If I want to listen to music, I turn on the radio or put on headphones and get Spotify on my phone. If I want disabled dogs, I sit in a quiet place and go over my schedule. I’m not good at multitasking and loud music for metal track speakers doesn’t do it for me.

But someone, somewhere, came up with the idea that dog racing fans will show up in greater numbers if you offer them a more “carnival” atmosphere. That’s why you’ll find booths and umbrellas with radio stations broadcasting live and NASCAR drivers signing autographs at the clubhouse. Sometimes it’s hard to tell if you’re at the dog track or at the county fair.

This is all very well, but if you are smart, you will ignore it and stay as far away from the crowd and noise as possible. All of this is designed to appeal to people who don’t usually hit the track. It is of no use to the serious handicapper, who is on the court to earn money.

When the carnival comes to the dog track, the best thing to do is remember to keep an eye out for the center ring, where you can earn money by choosing the winner from 8 dogs. Ignore the sideshows and glitter and focus on why you’re there – to make money. It’s not that you can’t have a good time racing, or that you should only go if you’re a serious racing player. But even if you go “for fun,” it’s more fun when you come home with a little more pasta than you came with.