The publicity stunts that John Manzi has pulled off are the stuff of legend.

So much so that when harness racing writers and promoters consider ways to get people to come to the track, chances are that Manzi has been there, done that!

When the Monticello–Goshen chapter of the United States Harness Writers holds its 60th annual awards banquet on Sunday, December 2, Manzi will receive the organization’s highest honour, The Lifetime Achievement Award.

Already a member of the Communicators Hall of Fame, Manzi retired a few years ago. Although, without a doubt, when harness aficionados think of the hardest working, most dedicated and creative publicity hound in the business, they think of John Manzi, without a doubt.

Known for his affable demeanour, wacky promotions, and as master of ceremonies of some of the Catskill region’s most memorable awards banquets, ‘JM in the PM’ has never disappointed.

The list of individuals that Manzi and his Monticello-Goshen Chapter of USHWA have honoured over the last several decades reads like a ‘who’s who’ of harness racing.

Whether he was racing camels versus elephants, or crowning the ‘King of the Matzos,’ Monticello Raceway’s man of the hour has always been Manzi.

Although retired after 40 years of bright lights and big laughs, Manzi still covers the amateur driving races and continues to host his Sunday night Doo Wop radio show, in its fifth decade.

This year, in addition to the year-end awards for horses and horsepeople from the local tracks, the Monticello-Goshen chapter will also honour Moira Fanning (John Manzi Leadership Award); Chuck Connor (John Gilmour Good Guy Award); Salt Hill Farm (Cradle of the Trotter Breeders Award); Peter Gerry (Amy Bull Crist Distinguished Service Award); Jennifer Lappe (Amateur Driver); Debbie Little (Phil Pines Award); Shane Darish (Rising Star); and Arthur Robinson (Award of Appreciation).

Tickets for the gala event can be reserved by contacting Shawn Wiles at 845-794-4100 (Ext. 458) or [email protected].

(USHWA)