Columbus, OH – The weather is hot, the 2-year-olds are making their way to the races, and fair racing is in full swing. The USTA Matching Funds Grant Program, now in its 19th year, has awarded 13 fairs funding to help market and promote county fair harness racing programs.
The 2025 awardees are:
Crawford County Fair (Bucyrus, OH)
Goshen Historic Track (Goshen, NY)
Erie County Fair (Wattsburg, PA)
The Great Frederick Fair (Frederick, MD)
The Great Pocomoke Fair (Pocomoke City, MD)
Henry County Fair (Cambridge, IL)
Indiana County Fair Association (Indiana, PA)
Macoupin County Fair (Carlinville, IL)
Minnesota Harness Racing, Inc.
Pickaway County Fair (Circleville, OH)
Seneca County Fair (Tiffin, OH)
Tuscola County Fair (Caro, MI)
Union County Agricultural Society (Palmyra, NY)
The Matching Funds Grant program provides funding for 50 percent of a marketing budget, up to $1,000, for fairs and horsemen’s organizations to promote harness racing on the fair level. Winning applicants are using the marketing money to put up billboards, do radio, newspaper, social media and television advertising, put up yard signs and more.
There are still two programs available through the USTA’s Fair Assistance Program; neither has a deadline, but funding is available on a first come, first served basis, or until inventory is sold out.
If your fair has ordered a grandstand giveaway that has a harness horse on it, be sure to look into the Promotional Item Reimbursement Program from the USTA. The USTA has also secured T-shirts, seat cushions and hand fans in bulk that fairs can order at half price. Here is a link to the store of items.
For a complete listing of previous Matching Funds Grant Award winners, applications and other promotional ideas, visit fairs.ustrotting.com/funds.