by Jessica Schroeder, U.S. Trotting Association Assistant Fair Liaison

Columbus, OH — The USTA has awarded nearly $14,000 to 16 fairs and horsemen’s associations from nine different states through the 2011 Matching Funds Grant program.

Each winner put together a marketing plan and budget for items such as billboard, radio, newspaper and television advertising; hosting an open house at a breeding farm; grandstand t-shirt tosses; and other promotions to get harness racing in front of the public.

The winning groups are:

Dayton Agricultural & Mechanical Association (Dayton, PA)
Elkhorn Trotting Club (Elkhorn, WI)
Fowlerville Harness Horsemen (Fowlerville, MI)
Goshen Historic Track (Goshen, NY)
Juniata County Fair (Port Royal, PA)
Lake County Fair (Painesville, OH)
Mahoning County Fair (Canfield, OH)
Mercer County Fair (Celina, OH)
Mississippi Trotting Association
Orleans County Fair Association (Barton, VT)
Ottawa County Harness Horsemen’s Association (Oak Harbor, OH)
Shenandoah County Fair Association (Woodstock, VA)
St Joseph County Grange Fair (Centreville, MI)
Tioga County Agriculture Society (Owego, NY)
Wattsburg Erie County Fair (Wattsburg, PA)
Wisconsin Harness Horse Association

The Matching Funds Grant program, started in 2006, helps fund promotions for harness racing at the county fair level. Throughout the years 57 different county fairs and horsemen’s groups have received over $60,000 in funding.

For more information on the Matching Funds Grant, visit fairs.ustrotting.com/funds.cfm.