To be whimsically honest, a lot of people come for the party.

An average of 2,000 people compete in Auburn's annual Great Race, and more than 6,000 attend to watch the competition and take part in the post-race festivities - a three to one ratio.

And this Sunday's Great Race XXX promises to be as festive as ever.

The party, at the conclusion of the Capt. Myles Keogh Paddle, Wheel and Run, will include food, beer and soda, and a performance by Prime Time, a rock/soul band from Syracuse. The Great Race, originally named after a 1965 movie, also makes reference to Keogh, a post-Civil War hero from Auburn. In 1978, the Great Race I saw 125 teams take part, but the event has become so popular that 500 to 600 teams now compete annually.

The post-race party has itself become a major attraction, too, and bands from all over line up for a chance at performing at the celebration.

“Our committee decides what band will play each year,” Marty Keough, race director, said from his home last week, referring to the 18-member group that organizes the yearly affair.

“We have a lot of bands that request to play (after the race), because they know how big an event it is, and how big the crowd always is.”

Keough, who said he tells people almost daily that he is of no relation to Capt. Keogh, is one of the committee members who have assisted in planning the race since the beginning. Some have since relocated to other places and are referred to as “emeritus” members. On the event's Web site, www.great-race.com, those people are jokingly defined as “able to go directly to the beer tent when done racing.”

In 1978, Great Race I featured a small acoustic combo, who played to a relatively tiny crowd, but since the race is now a nationally recognized event, thousands of guests flock to Emerson Park for the afternoon.

“Prime Time played after the race about five years ago, and people really enjoyed them, so we decided to have them back again,” Keough said.

The group is a cover band that plays clubs and parties throughout central New York, said band member Paul Valentino.

“I'd describe us as a ‘rock, rhythm, soul combo,'” he explained, adding that its songs include hits by Chicago and Billy Joel.

Food served will feature submarine sandwiches prepared by Kevin Dautrich of Daut's restaurant in Auburn, along with assorted fresh fruit.

“We provide the sandwiches and fruit, and a soda or two beer tickets, to everyone that competes,” Keough said.

As always, he continued, the race organizers' motto is “Safety First.”

“I'd like to remind everyone that this is a family affair. Anyone who plans on drinking (alcohol) must have their I.D., and we'll give them a wristband to wear after they show proof of age,” he said.

To bolster the family image, race organizers plan to provide fun for people of all ages.

“Something new this year is that we'll have a total of four Moon Walks around the park,” Keough explained, referring to inflatable tents in which people can bounce around. The Moon Walks are provided by Auburn Party Rental, one of the race's annual sponsors.

If you go

What: Great Race and after party

When: Race begins 9:30 a.m. Sunday

Where: Emerson Park, Auburn

Cost: $2 parking

For details: Call 253-6803

Special note: Proof of age must be shown to consume alcohol