Painting the History of Sackville Downs

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Have you noticed this new mural during your travels along Sackville Drive? Located on the side of Boston Pizza, 710 Sackville Drive, is the first of three eye-catching murals planned for Sackville Drive.

Michelle Champniss, executive director of Sackville Business Association (SBA), and her team galloped towards the opportunity to pay tribute to Sackville Downs Raceway, otherwise referred to as the Harness Racing Showplace of the Maritimes, in the location where the raceway once stood. Champniss says, “SBA is thrilled to be able to honour such an important part of history here in Sackville.”

Sackville Downs Raceway was a harness racing racetrack in Lower Sackville from 1954 to 1985. The raceway was operated by the Cruickshank family. Events were held at least twice weekly throughout the summer and on fall holiday weekends.

Sackville Downs Raceway made harness racing one of the most popular sports draws in Atlantic Canada. The former Sackville Downs Raceway is now home to Downsview Mall, a grocery-anchored community plaza along the core of Sackville’s business district, Sackville Drive.

“I think all of the action in the piece is what really brought it all together and was the fun part for me.”

SBA partnered with artist Jake Seibert, owner of The Talking Wall, and Boston Pizza Lower Sackville to bring a historic photo of the Raceway to life. Seibert is a local artist who made a career out of his passion for painting—you may recognize his work around Sackville and surrounding communities. Seibert is well known for his striking window paintings, including the Holiday Window Painting program where SBA works with local businesses to paint holiday window scenes on storefronts.

“I think all of the action in the piece is what really brought it all together and was the fun part for me,” says Seibert as he refers to his work at 710 Sackville Drive. Recreating this live-action shot was a challenge, but it’s safe to say Seibert crossed the finish line with flying colours.

This is just the beginning! Keep your eyes peeled as more murals pop up and brighten up Sackville’s main street. If you haven’t already, be sure to visit this stunning tribute to Sackville Downs Raceway.