INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana State Fair will recognize two of its longtime harness racing supporters when it renames a pair of its historic barns in honor of the late Ralph Wilfong and Steve Panke during a ceremony at the State Fairgrounds Saturday, August 18 at 9 a.m.  The two men will join such Hoosier harness racing greats as Sep Palin, trainer and driver of many Grand Circuit winners; Ed Allen, trainer of Single G and a harness racing breeding legend of the 1920s; and Ed McNamara, owner of Two Gaits Farm.

 Wilfong and Panke were a driving force behind the rebuilding of the current barns in the 1990s, and their love for the State Fair went much further than the harness racing tradition of the fairgrounds.  It was Wilfong’s resources and Panke’s “know how” with the legislature that also brought attention to the financial needs of the fair in the 1980s. They assisted in lobbying the legislature to increase funding for the fairgrounds.

 Wilfong, one of Indiana’s most prominent harness racing breeders, owners, trainers and drivers of his time, also worked tirelessly to make the fair’s racing program successful.  He assisted with maintenance on the racetrack on many occasions through the use of large equipment from his construction business.

 Panke’s diplomatic skills and political acumen were keys in adding language in Indiana’s pari-mutuel legislation that would send a portion of funds wagered to the State Fair.  He also was instrumental in securing a portion of riverboat proceeds for the state fairgrounds, which fueled a number of capital improvement projects.

 There will be a memorial plaque placed in front of the barns to acknowledge the purpose for the names on the barns as well as to recognize the famous one-mile track.  The general public is invited to attend this important dedication.

Source: Release from Indiana State Fair