by Jeff Zidek, for the MSOA

Meadow Lands, PA — The 2009 Pennsylvania Fair Championships will be contested at The Meadows on Saturday, Oct. 10, part of a special pari-mutuel card beginning at 12:15 p.m.

The family-friendly event will include a performance by local country band Ruff Creek, along with remote broadcasts by country station Y108 and Washington station WJPA.

Activities for the kids include face painting, clowns and a bounce house, while kids of all ages can try their hand at a mechanical bull ride.

For potential new horse owners, the United States Trotting Association will be hosting a free horse ownership seminar beginning at 10:30 a.m. in a room adjacent to the Race Book on the lower casino level.

Afterward, stop by the apron level outside and get “up close and personal” with Hambletonian champion Vivid Photo, who will be on hand to visit with fans beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Kids can get driver autographs, win prizes and more, and there will even be a “Horse Owner For A Day” contest for those that attend the ownership seminar.

The action on the racetrack will feature the top point-winners from the 20-stop PA Fair Circuit, which has traveled back and forth across the state since the last weekend in June. All horses are Pennsylvania-sired 2- and 3-year-olds. Each of eight championship events will carry a purse of $20,000.

For more information or to register for the seminar, e-mail msoa@themsoa.com or call 724.228.3644. The event is being organized by the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association.