Fast Digs: The Demise of the Fiesta Park Saucer Track

You may recall the original Fast Digs post about Fiesta Park which suggested (as a result of my initial research) that the wooden racing track there may have lasted a couple months or so. Further research has found that racing took place at the stadium in both 1909 and 1910, portions of two years, before the track management decided that declining profits made any continuation of racing infeasible, and bicycle racing there came to an end. Even then, the track was not demolished. The park continued to host various athletic events, expositions and other large gatherings well into 1913.

Then, in July of 1913 ads began to appear in the Times' classified section for cheap second hand brick and assorted lumber for sale, in good condition, with inquiries to be made at Fiesta Park. By September the ads had changed, stating that the remaining materials were cheap enough to be used as firewood and kindling. Interestingly, much of the wood used in the building of the Fiesta Park Saucer Track had come from the Seal Gardens Saucer Track; now it was being repurposed again, dispersed throughout the city, as building material, flooring, maybe even firewood. 

Much more information about the rise and demise of the bicycle racing track at Fiesta Park, and the races that took place there, will be found in the second volume of Fast Digs, available by the end of the year. Remember, you can still get a copy of volume one. I also have a limited number in paperback form - if you want one of those let me know.