Monticello, NY — The publicity stunts that John Manzi has pulled off are the stuff of legend. So much so that when harness racing writers and promoters consider ways to get people to come to the track, chances are that John Manzi has been there, done that.

When the Monticello–Goshen Chapter of the United States Harness Writers hold its 60th annual awards banquet on Sunday (Dec. 2), John Manzi will receive the organization’s highest honor: The Lifetime Achievement Award.

John Manzi will receive The Lifetime Achievement Award. USHWA photo.

Already a member of the Communicators Hall of Fame, Manzi retired a few years ago, but without a doubt, when harness aficionados think of the hardest working, most dedicated and creative publicity hound in the business, without a doubt they think of John Manzi.

Known for his affable demeanor, wacky promotions, and as Master of Ceremonies of some of the Catskill region’s most memorable awards banquets, JM in the PM has never disappointed.

The list of individuals that Manzi and his Monticello-Goshen Chapter of USHWA have honored over the last several decades reads like a “who’s who” of harness racing.

Whether he was racing camels versus elephants, or crowning the King of the Matzos, Monticello Raceway’s man of the hour has always been John Manzi.

Although retired after 40 years of bright lights and big laughs, Hall of Famer Manzi still covers the amateur driving races and continues to host his Sunday night Doo Wop radio show, in its fifth decade.

This year, in addition to the year-end awards for horses and horse people from the local tracks, the Monticello-Goshen chapter will also honor Moira Fanning (John Manzi Leadership Award); Chuck Connor (John Gilmour Good Guy Award); Salt Hill Farm (Cradle of the Trotter Breeders Award); Peter Gerry (Amy Bull Crist Distinguished Service Award); Jennifer Lappe (Amateur Driver); Debbie Little (Phil Pines Award); Shane Darish (Rising Star); and Arthur Robinson (Award of Appreciation).

Tickets for the gala event can be reserved by contacting Shawn Wiles at 845.794.4100, ext. 458 or email swiles@empireresorts.com.

To place a congratulatory ad in the souvenir journal, please contact Chris Tully at 845.807.7538 or email tullytrot@yahoo.com.