This document provides a sampler of ideas generated from my research for the Lost Trotting Parks Heritages Center, observations and many conversations with Maine agricultural fair officials, harness horsemen, track personnel, historians, and members of professional organizations.
The Idea Sampler includes promotion, rebranding, and marketing ideas for Maine’s agricultural fairs, harness racing at Maine fairs and private tracks, Maine harness horsemen and women, and the Lost Trotting Parks Heritage Center. Many of these ideas may be the same or a new twist on old ideas. Sometimes an old idea with a new twist may just be part of the answer.
Table of Contents (download PDF)Idea Sampler Revised PDF
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5
Bringing New People into the Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6
Enhance the Track Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8
Marketing, Promotion, Branding, Social Networking . . Page 10
History — Create the Legends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14
Tourism and Economic Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15
Partnerships — Winter — Betting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 16
Profile of the Lost Trotting Parks Heritage Center . . . . . . Page 17
Outreach & Promotion— America’s Lost Trotting Parks Page 19
Returning to the Elmwood — Christmas 1915 . . . . . . . . . . Page 20
Lost Trotting Parks & Maine’s Harness Racing Museum . Page 21
Strategic Conversations — Strategic Planning . . . . . . . . . . Page 22
A Final Comment — A Call to Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 23