Maryland Preakness Celebration, Inc. announced the calendar of events for Preakness Week 2006 last week at a press event at the World Famous Lexington Market, which was attended by Baltimore Mayor Martin O’Malley. Maryland Preakness Celebration, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 organization that was established in 1988 to produce a festival of events in and around Baltimore to celebrate the middle jewel of thoroughbred racing’s prestigious Triple Crown series, the Preakness Stakes. The signature race in Maryland takes places Saturday, May 20 at historic Pimlico Race Course.

“This is going to be another great Preakness Celebration for the city of Baltimore and state of Maryland,” said Mark Friedman, acting president of Preakness Celebration. “We look forward to helping the community celebrate this storied annual event for our city and state. We like to have a variety of events that bring people out to enjoy themselves and enjoy each other. These are the initial events that herald our great warm weather. It is always great to enjoy one of the top events that happens here each May.”

More than a dozen events in and around downtown Baltimore will take place. A free outdoor concert featuring Ireland’s own The Saw Doctors headlines the “And They’re Off” Kickoff at Harbor East on Friday, May 12 from 6-9 p.m.

The following morning, two major events take place