by Debbie Little, for the Orleans County Fair

Barton, VT — The 143rd edition of the Orleans County Fair in Barton, Vt., kicks off its two-day harness meeting on Thursday, August 19, with a special international competition.

The U.S.–Canada border battle, dubbed the International Pace and Trot, will feature some of the top drivers in the sport, including Herve Filion, Jason Bartlett, Stephane Bouchard, Jordan Stratton and Todd Whitney.

These two special races will take to the track at noon, after a special welcoming ceremony for the drivers and a dedication ceremony for the fair’s new track surface. The remainder of the card will then resume at 1 p.m.

“We would like to thank Fran and Melanie Azur for donating $25,000 to support racing at our fair, as well as everyone else who has contributed to making this a stellar couple days of racing,” said assistant director of racing Kim Brooks.

Due to Barton’s close proximity to the Canadian border, the International Pace and Trot were an obvious choice. Each race will feature two Canadian and two American competitors. Two of the drivers are a surprise and will be announced on race day.

There will be an autograph session with the international drivers near the grandstand immediately following their event.

Word of the competition has spread through the neighboring province of Quebec and many are expected to attend.

“The fair has always been supported by our friends to the north and we hope many people from both sides of the border come out to see the races,” said Brooks. “We will continue to do everything we can to keep racing at Barton for another 100 years and I hope everyone in our industry does the same at their track.”