According to longtime race secretary and track announcer Jeff Firmstone, harness racing will make its triumphant return to the Dyberry Oval a full month ahead of schedule this summer.

Thanks to an influx of funds generated by PA casino slot machines, the state racing commission has awarded the Wayne County Fairgrounds two extra days of competition.

So, the “thunder of hoofbeats” will once again echo through the Dyberry river basin next weekend.

“We’re very excited about it,” Jeff told TWI Sports. “We’re looking forward to two full cards of racing.

Firmstone went on to say that he fully expects between 60-70 horses from all over the Commonwealth to attend.

Racing will be held at the Fairgrounds Saturday and Sunday, July 19-20. Post time is set for 2:00 p.m. both days and admittance to the grandstand is absolutely free.

“It’s a great way to spend the day,” Jeff said. “Harness racing is a very old tradition at the Wayne County Fair. In fact, it’s one of the main reasons the fair began in the first place. It’s good, wholesome family entertainment.”

The Wayne County Fair is 146 years old this summer. It dates all the way back to pre-Civil War America (1862).

On the Oval
Legalized gambling in PA has had a completely positive impact on the harness racing circuit. A sport that was on the brink of extinction just five years ago is once again thriving at county fairs all over the state.

Income generated by casino slot machines has reinvigorated the industry. Whereas purses only last year averaged around $4,000 per race, that number has more than doubled to almost $10K this summer.

This is a welcome development for avid supporters like Jeff Firmstone.

“Agriculture has been a way of life in Wayne County forever,” he said. “Harness racing and agriculture pretty much go hand-in-hand. To breed and keep horses, you need wide open green spaces. This money helps make it possible for people to make a living.”

The Honesdale Area Jaycees are partnering with the Wayne County Fair in this exciting new endeavor. This local service organization will operate a food stand, provide prizes and run a “penny social” type fundraiser.

“It’s going to be a great weekend at the Fairgrounds,” Jeff said. “Come on out and see some exciting harness racing action.”