Florida Chapter USHWA

08/05/2025

Application online for Allen J Finkelson Scholarship

Pompano Beach, FL — Steve Wolf, president of the Florida Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association, has announced that the chapter is now accepting applications for its 2025 Allen J. Finkelson Scholarship.

The scholarship fund was established in memory of Hall of Famer Allen J. Finkelson, the former Vice President of Public Relations at Pompano Park and longtime Chairman of the Board of the national USHWA organization.

Preference for these scholarships will be given to a student majoring in journalism, communications or veterinarian related studies.

Applicants must be a resident of the state of Florida and currently accepted or enrolled in a fully accredited college or university in the United States. Criteria for selection include community service, academic achievement, and leadership.

Applicants must have demonstrated scholastic ability with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 and show evidence of community service and leadership through certificates, awards and/or letters of commendation.

Fully completed applications must be postmarked no later than July 15 for consideration for a September award. Recipients may reapply annually for a maximum of four years.

Applications should be submitted/addressed to the Florida Chapter USHWA, Scholarship Committee, 601 N. Federal Hwy. #320, Pompano Beach, FL 33062.

For more information or to receive an application on the internet, visit www.ushwa-florida.com or contact via e-mail Thomas H. Hicks at [email protected] or Steven Wolf at [email protected].

From the Florida Chapter USHWA

Photo below Allen J Finkelson

23/04/2025

Congratulation Heather Wider!

Heather Wilder appointed to Hall of Fame Screening Committee

Heather Wilder, best known for her work with Altmeyer Wilder Racing and as president of the Keystone Chapter of the United States Harness Writers’ Association, has been appointed to a six-year term on the Screening Committee for harness racing’s Hall of Fame.
https://bit.ly/4d1TDXj

United States Harness Writers Association

26/09/2024

Nice article on fellow USHWAn Leon Zimmerman!

Upper Montclair, NJ — Leon Zimmerman, a member of the Harness Racing Communicators Hall of Fame, returned to the Montclair State University campus here to

11/09/2024

Caesars Entertainment to sponsor 2025 Dan Patch Awards Banquet
(From the U.S. Harness Writers Association)
Lexington, KY — The U.S. Harness Writers Association (USHWA) is proud to announce that the 2025 Dan Patch Awards banquet, presented by Caesars Entertainment, will be held Sunday night (Feb. 23) at Rosen Centre on the famed International Drive in Orlando, Fla.
This will mark the fourth year in a row that Caesars Entertainment will be the title sponsor for the awards banquet, which honors the year’s best equines and humans in harness racing. Caesars operates three harness racing venues in the United States: Scioto Downs in Ohio, Harrah’s Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, and Hoosier Park in Indiana.
“Caesars is proud to be the title sponsor once again for the Dan Patch Awards,” said Joe Morris, senior vice president of racing for Caesars. “We are committed to supporting harness racing and honoring the sport’s year-end champions.”
“We are delighted to have Caesars back again this year,” said USHWA President Michael Carter. “We are also thrilled to return to Rosen Centre, which is a first-class facility and was a great host site for the 2024 Dan Patch Awards weekend earlier this year.”
USHWA will hold its annual directors’ meeting on Saturday (Feb. 22), with its general membership meeting the morning of the banquet.
With more than 1,300 rooms, the impressive 24-story Rosen Centre is just 15 minutes from the Orlando International Airport and soars high above all of International Drive’s best nightlife, shopping and attractions.
Guests can enjoy the outdoor Olympic-size tropical pool or satisfy their appetite at one of the hotel’s nine dining and lounging options. Dan Patch attendees will receive a 10-percent discount at the following select restaurant outlets: Everglades, a fine-dining experience with offerings including prime steaks and fresh seafood; Café Gauguin; Harry’s Poolside Bar & Grill; 98Forty Tapas & Tequila; and Banshoo Sushi Bar.
All standard rooms under the USHWA block are $209 nightly (plus applicable taxes). For room reservations, please click here for USHWA’s dedicated hotel link. Attendees looking for a king bedroom can place the request under the comments section, and those will be assigned by the front desk based on availability upon arrival.
Further details about the banquet including dinner ticket information and advertising in the souvenir journal will be posted as they become more established on USHWA’s website and on the major websites and social media covering the sport.
To inquire about sponsorship opportunities for the weekend, please contact USHWA President Michael Carter at [email protected] or Shawn Wiles at [email protected].

27/08/2024

HARRISBURG, PA – The United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA), in conjunction with the Harness Racing Hall Of Fame, is pleased to announce the

27/08/2024

Congratulations to all the inductees!

HARRISBURG, PA – The United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA), in conjunction with the Harness Racing Hall Of Fame, is pleased to announce the

06/08/2024

Congratulations to our 2024 Allen J. Finkelson Scholarship winners!

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10/06/2024

Pompano Beach, FL --- Steve Wolf, president of the Florida Chapter of the United States Harness Racing Writers Association (USHWA), has