by Jack Ginnetti

Marlborough, MA — Add reunion to this year’s gala Labor Day weekend celebration at Plainridge Racecourse. The New England chapter of the U.S. Harness Writers announced today its 31st Hall of Fame awards program will take place Sunday, September 6, with a 3:00 p.m. start in the track’s upstairs hall.

A classic car show complete with DJ kicks things off on Saturday, September 5, followed by the awards program the next day and the 14th Beckwith Day festivities which opens with Plainridge’s Wall of Fame recipient.

Bert Beckwith Day is known for its homecoming touch while the writers’ award program should draw an overflow crowd, reunion style, when it honors this year’s recipients — Gary T. Piontkowski, Roger T. Slobody, Peter R. Blood and the late immortal Townsend Ackerman.

The chapter also announced that driver-trainer Ralph Andersen of Norfolk, Mass. has been named the recipient of the chapter’s 10th annual Iron Man award, and Winthrop Messenger was named to its Horse Hall of Fame.

Presidential, achievement, recognition and special awards have yet to be announced by the chapter.

For ad journal information contact Jack Ginnetti at (508) 485-5815 or Bob Lieberman at (781) 762-2639.