Derby Trail Forums - Minnesota Budget Battle is Pathetic

Anxiety in Shakopee as city’s largest employer shuts down
Posted by: Chris Havens Updated: July 1, 2011 - 12:38 PM

In Shakopee, local business owners are fretting the closure of Canterbury Park.

The racetrack laid off 1,000 employees today as it was forced to close when the Minnesota Racing Commission shut down.
Canterbury is the largest employer in Shakopee and draws thousands of visitors.
“There are a lot of people who are going to be without a job, which means they’re not going to be spending money at our local businesses,” said Brad Tabke, chairman of the Shakopee Chamber of Commerce.
Owners of gas stations and restaurants, and even a local massage therapist who works with the jockeys have shared concerns about what it means for their businesses if the shutdown persists.
“Everyone is frustrated and confused about how all the decisions are being made,” Tabke said. “It’s not a good situation for anyone.”
In a statement about the shutdown, Canterbury President Randy Sampson said a shutdown of more than a week or two may spur owners and trainers to move their horses to other racetracks.
“It is possible that Canterbury and its horsemen could lose the remainder of their racing season,” he said.