by Sam Lilly, USTA District 5 Chairman

Springfield, IL — The annual meeting of the USTA District 5 membership was held on Jan. 17 at the Artisan Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Agriculture Bureau of County Fairs and Horse Racing.

The USTA meeting was preceded by the annual meeting of the Downstate Classic Association.

Sixty-three members attended the USTA District meeting and heard annual reports from officers and a recap of the USTA activities for 2014. The members supported Rules #7, #9 and #10. All proposed rules regarding racing under saddle were referred to the full USTA Board.

Following the membership meeting the USTA/IDOA annual awards banquet was held with 145 people in attendance.

The IDOA presented County Fair Point Winner plaques and the USTA District 5 awarded plaques to ICF divisional winners and the Horse of the Year (Earndawg).

Additional awards were made to Illinois Stallion Stake owners, the Giberson Family by Ellen Taylor and the Harness Horse Youth Foundation for their support of the HHYF, and an award was presented to Buck Weaver for more than 60 years of participation in county fair horse racing as a trainer, driver, owner and long-time announcer.

Many sponsors provided numerous door prizes. Their support is sincerely appreciated.