from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — On Tuesday (July 10) at the Mecosta County Fair in Big Rapids, Mich., State Representative Michele Hoitenga (R-Manton), who raced on behalf of the United Way, won the 20th annual Celebrity Harness Race.

Nearly $32,000 was donated to charities through an auction for the five celebrities in the race. An additional $5,500 was raised to benefit local charities through ticket sales for and fundraising activities during the infield party after the races.

Miles Postema photo

Michigan State Representative Michele Hoitenga was the winner of the 20th annual Celebrity Harness Race at the Mecosta County Fair.

The other four celebrity participants were Big Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Tim Haist (Friends of Ferris), who finished second, Father Jegar Fickel (St. Mary’s School), Lake-Osceola State Bank Senior Vice President John Duvall (Racing for Artworks) and Jessica Wallace (Women’s Information Service Inc.).

Local owner, trainer and driver Pat Currie has been the organizer of the celebrity race for two decades with the help of son Matt.

“We couldn’t do this without the dedication of my son Matt,” said Pat Currie. “He is doing all of the backstage work, does all the teaching (celebrities) how to drive. I may be the mouthpiece, but he’s the instructor.”

But Pat has been much more than just a mouthpiece.

“We started this out because of the decline of racing in Mecosta County,” explained the senior Currie. “We didn’t have enough people from the public coming to the races. I thought, with a charity, what it would bring to the community if I started a celebrity race.

“I was amazed the first year we had more than 2,500 people. Over the years, we’re way over a quarter of a million to $300,000 worth of money for the charities, but more important, it’s a great town event recognizing the horse itself.

“We always have it for the grand finale of the Mecosta County Fair and it’s been a phenomenal thing for Big Rapids and the sport itself.”

To read the front page story on the 20th annual Celebrity Harness Race on the local Pioneer newspaper’s website, click here.