by Jessica Schroeder, assistant fair liaison, the U.S. Trotting Association

Columbus, OH — An exciting new format in the Matching Funds Grant program hopes to foster new, original and somewhat grandiose ideas to market county fair harness racing.

The USTA will still award $10,000 in 2010 to support initiatives by Agricultural Societies and horsemen’s associations who support county fair harness racing. However, for the first time, applicants can request any amount of money, from as little as $50, up to a maximum of $2,500.

Applications were sent to all county fair organizations in their Track Membership packets last week but they, and photos of and examples from previous winners, are available on http://fairs.ustrotting.com under the “Fairs & Officials” heading, Matching Funds Grant Information.

Put your creativity caps on now; applications are due April 2, 2010!

The USTA Matching Funds Grants program was started in 2006. Some winning examples from years past include:

• Bouncy Ponies
• T-Shirt toss by drivers
• Newspaper, radio and cable advertisements
• Pen, seat cushion, and other grandstand giveaways
• Billboard advertising

For more information on the Matching Funds Grant program, or promotional ideas for your county fair, contact Jessica Schroeder at 877.800.8782, ext: 3212 or e-mail jessica.schroeder@ustrotting.com.