Natalie Ragus | Arcadia Patch

Ray Paulick

Not even early morning showers could dampen the spirits of Opening Day attendees at Santa Anita Park. The track’s 17-week winter/spring racing season began Wednesday and runs through April 21.

KiSS frontman Gene Simmons—who recently signed on board to help Santa Anita develop new marketing strategies—arrived at the festivities just as the sun began to peak out from the clouds.

Simmons’ presence at the track caused a minor stir on Twitter.

“Shook Gene Simmons hand and came home $210 richer. Great day at Santa Anita Park. #TheGoodLife” Twitter user @waka_flaka_vaca wrote. Meanwhile, @WatchoutJulian posted a photo of himself posing with Simmons, the track in the background.

Opening Day attendance hit 27,273 this year, compared to 55,000-plus attendees last year, track officials said.

Here are some images of Opening Day moments.