by Tami Hartman

Circleville, OH — This year’s Pickaway County Fair will open with a two-day harness racing meet to be held on Saturday (June 15) and Sunday (June 16) at the Circleville fairgrounds.

Saturday’s program will feature Judith Foureman as honorary starter. Foureman has served for several years as the Ohio Colt Racing Association secretary and was a former speed secretary and charter of the Pickaway County Fair. In addition to her work in harness racing, Foureman serves as the mayor of Arcanum, Ohio, located in Darke County.

Two other horsemen, both of whom passed away during 2013, will be honored as part of Saturday’s program: Ed “Yock” Strawser and Larry Foureman.

Local resident “Yock” Strawser, a 1949 Circleville High School graduate, was involved in harness racing in this county since the 1950s. Foureman, although not a resident of the county, volunteered for several years as a timer for the Pickaway County races. He also served as president of the Ohio Colt Racing Association, vice-president of the Dr. H.M. Parshall Stake, and treasurer of the Signature Series program.

Saturday’s races will feature the John F. Fissell Pace for 2-year-old colts, the Larry Foureman Memorial Pace for 2-year-old fillies, the Tish Arledge Memorial Pace for 3-year-old colts, the 85th District Open Pace and the OCRA stakes race for 2-year-old colt trotters.

Sunday’s program will honor Buckeye Propane for that company’s support of the Pickaway County Fair. Owner Dan Preston will serve as honorary starter. Buckeye Propane has been independently owned and operated since 1957 and serves 14 counties. Part of the company’s success has been its commitment to community. In Pickaway County, part of this commitment has been supporting the county fair, including providing hot dogs and drinks to 4H families moving in livestock projects, and providing monetary support to programs through their advertisement.

Sunday’s races will include OCRA stakes races for 2-year-old filly trotters and 3-year-old colt trotters, as well as the Forrest Short Pace for 3-year-old fillies, the George W. Vancamp Trot for 3-year-old fillies and two overnight events for older horses — the Macs Classic Open Trot and the Bill Mayhugh Memorial Pace for conditioned pacers.

Giveaway events and prize drawings will be held throughout the program on both Saturday and Sunday. Prizes include many items from local businesses and retailers, as well as ticket packages from the Cincinnati Reds and the Columbus Zoo (courtesy of Richardson Supply).

Post time for the races will be 12:45 p.m. each day. Admission is free and pari-mutuel wagering will be available.