by Dan Tipton, Tipton Communications

Berlin, MD — Ocean Downs Racetrack has pledged a total of $30,000 over the next five years in support of the Great Pocomoke Fair in an agreement that further promotes harness racing in Maryland and expands the relationship between the two organizations.

Through 2015, Ocean Downs Racetrack will support harness racing purses at Pocomoke’s annual fair through annual gifts of $5,000. In addition, on Aug. 4, 2011, Ocean Downs Racetrack will host the first Great Pocomoke Fair Race and has pledged $1,000 toward the race’s purse for each of the next five years.

Ocean Downs Racetrack General Manager Peter Szymanski said the exhibition race night at the track will also include raffles and giveaways and recognition of the race winner in Ocean Downs’ winner’s circle.

“All of us at Ocean Downs, like our friends in Pocomoke, are absolutely committed to ensuring that the sport of harness racing continues to thrive here in Maryland,” said William M. Rickman, Jr., owner of Ocean Downs Racetrack. “Both of our organizations have enjoyed a long tradition of harness racing and we are pleased that we can help to ensure the future of harness racing at the fair.”

“We are excited to partner with Ocean Downs,” said Mike Wandishin, the Great Pocomoke Fair Racing Secretary. “Harness racing has been a long-standing attraction of the fair, and we are extremely grateful for Ocean Downs’ show of support.”

For more information, visit www.oceandowns.com.