by Bill Peters

Edgerton, OH — The Defiance County Area Horsemen’s Association held its monthly meeting on May 5.

The Association’s recently-held reverse raffle fundraiser was reviewed. Even though the event was a huge success, the group considered ways of making improvements for next year’s affair. Items mentioned included planning the meal earlier, recognizing the door prize and auction donors at the event, and concluding the stallion service fee auction on the evening prior to the reverse raffle. The Association set a tentative date of Saturday, March 17, 2012 for next year’s reverse raffle.

It was decided to have a 50-50 drawing at the May 28 Matinee. Since the Matinee will be the first event making use of the new grandstand, the group felt that extra efforts should be put into its promotion. They also decided to invite Bud Widmer’s Rube Band of Defiance to play between races.

Flyers were distributed for the Association’s July 23 golf outing to be held at St. Mike’s Golf Course of Jewell. Anyone interested in playing or being a sponsor should contact Kevin Appel at 419.438.5682. The fee for a four-golfer team is $200. Major sponsorships are $250 and hole sponsorships are $50.

The possibility of adding 2-year-old and/or 3-year-old late closers (open to the world) to this year’s fair racing program was discussed. The race committee will make a recommendation at the next meeting.

Bill Peters reported that a building currently on the fairgrounds will be moved and will be used as the speed office. Kevin Appel will speak to the Fair Board president about providing a spot for trucks and trailers to park on race days during the fair.

The next meeting of the Association will be on Thursday, June 2, at 7 p.m. at the Hicksville Eagles.