by Dale Zahn

Holland, MI — Up until a few days prior to his death in 2002, Harold Zahn, of Park Forest, Ill., would be perched in his usual second floor clubhouse seat at Balmoral Park.

You’d find him perusing his programs, drinking hot black coffee and smoking on a cigarette. Cash vouchers would be in the left side shirt pocket for wagering purposes.

Prior to his later years he and his son and his World War II buddies could regularly be found on the first floor grandstand and on the apron near the finish line.

Simply put, Harold was a die-hard harness racing fan. He loved the races. A painter by trade, he once painted driver Harry Burright’s helmet. That’s the closest he got to the sport other than being a fan in the grandstand and clubhouse.

On Saturday, April 10, family members and friends will gather for the ninth annual Harold Zahn Memorial Race, a tribute that was initiated by Dale Zahn and his wife LaVonne, now residents of Holland, Mich.

The group will present a specially prepared Purple and White blanket in the winner’s circle following the race. Why purple? It’s because Harold was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for service in the Battle of The Bulge in World War II. Harold was a very proud and patriotic American.

Dad would have been so proud to see us actively involved in the great sport of harness racing, but unfortunately he died without ever seeing the Zahn name in the racing program as owners or seeing his son put on the Red, White and Blue colors and drive in the amateur races.

While the focus is on remembering Harold, a great father and grandfather, the family has extended its recognition, well wishes and thanks to all of the members of the U.S. Armed Services that have been recipients of the Purple Heart.