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

Madison, WI — The Wisconsin Harness Horse Association, which combined the state’s 12 county fair racing meets into a “Wisconsin Harness Racing Tour,” was named the winner of the 2011 U.S. Trotting Association’s Blue Ribbon Fair Award.

The award, presented Saturday (Jan. 21) at the USTA District 4B meeting at the Howard Johnson Hotel in Madison, recognized the WHHA for organizing an innovative grassroots effort to bring people out to multiple fairs, thanks in part to funds disbursed through the USTA Matching Funds Program.

The Wisconsin horsemen, headed by Gabe Wand, used a $1,250 matching grant from the USTA to create an unforgettable experience for those attending the races, held at seven different Wisconsin county fair tracks from June 18 at Elkhorn to Sept. 18 at Viroqua. To encourage fans to attend multiple fairs, WHHA introduced the Wisconsin Harness Racing Tour Passport, which could be stamped at each fair attended. For each stamp, fans received a free program. For five stamps, a T-shirt. And for those who attended the Viroqua Fair, they could turn in their passport for a chance to win $100.

The WHHA also used several different media to reach potential fans. They spent grant money on radio advertising, ran ads in newspapers, and created a direct-mail postcard to send to local residents.

Fans could follow the Wisconsin stars by visiting the tour’s website, www.WisconsinHarnessRacingTour.com. There fans could find profiles on the top drivers, trainers and horses on the tour, as well as up-to-date points standings.

Once at the fair, fans never wanted for excitement. The WHHA sponsored a Pick-A-Winner promotion; arranged for the drivers to come into the stands and toss T-shirts and even had an autograph session.

“We’ve worked hard to create a cohesive promotional program that covers racing across the state,” said WHHA President Gabe Wand. “For a state organization that receives no outside funding except for our own fundraising and donations, to get the Blue Ribbon Fair Award means a lot to us, our Board of Directors and our horsemen who race for the fun of the sport.”

The 2012 Wisconsin Harness Racing Tour will once again begin at Elkhorn in June and run through Viroqua in September. A USTA representative will present the Blue Ribbon Fair Award plaque at a participating fair. The WHHA and its efforts will also be featured in the June 2012 issue of Hoof Beats.

Started in 2006, the Matching Funds Grant Program, administered by the USTA, awards $10,000 per year to individual county fairs, horsemen’s associations and colt circuits to support a marketing program to promote harness racing on the county fair level. In 2011 USTA President Phil Langley proposed that the annual amount awarded be upped to $20,000 and in 2012, the Matching Funds Grant Program will be treated the same.

The USTA is looking for originality, feasibility and creativity when reviewing the applicant’s marketing plan. Counties may combine to acquire resources, such as displays or equipment that would not be feasible to purchase or develop on an individual county basis. For multiple county and/or circuit applications, one group must be identified as the “Lead Group” for administration of funds and reporting.

Applications for the 2012 Matching Funds Grant are due May 15, with the grant recipients to be announced June 4. The fair with the most creative and well-executed use of grant money will be named the 2012 Blue Ribbon Fair Award winner.

For more information on the USTA Matching Funds program, click here.