by Chris Webb

Hicksville, OH — Since the Defiance County Fair board voted not to finance harness races at the 2011 Defiance County Fair, a new organization has been formed to raise money to conduct these races. Enclosed are the minutes from the most recent meeting.

The Jan. 6 meeting of the Defiance County Horsemen’s Association was held at Hicksville Eagles.

Updated information on the scheduled May 28 matinee is as follows:

• The fairboard will charge us $200 for renting the facility.
• Post time is Saturday at noon, with rain date set for Monday, May 30.
• Jeff Batt agreed to contact TSC and Jewell Grain Co. for donations for winners of each heat.
• Each horse entered must have a current Coggins test.
• We will host “Farmer Races” for amateurs.
• We will have a food stand.

The Reverse Auction Dinner plans:

• The dinner will be at the Defiance Eagles on Friday, April 15, at 6:30 p.m.
• Chuck Welker of the Black Lantern Restaurant will cater the meal.
• We will have 300 tickets available at $50 each at the next meeting.
• Bar drinks will be included in the ticket price.
• Prize denominations will be $1,500 for 1st Place, $600 for 2nd, and $300 for 3rd.
• We will contact Brett Boyd of MHHA to see if he will emcee.
• We will need volunteers to set up that day, and will have to clean up that night.

The golf outing plans:

• It will be held at St. Mike’s Golf Course, Defiance on either Saturday July 9 or July 23.
• Entry fee will include a cart, 18 holes, steak dinner and prizes.
• We need hole sponsors.
• We will determine prices for both golfers and non-golfers who would like to attend the dinner.

The next meeting will be Thursday, February 3, at 7 p.m. at the Hicksville Eagles. Please note that all meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Hicksville Eagles unless notified otherwise.