Bugler makes a statement at racing events

By P.J. GLISSON

news@yourdailyglobe.com

Ironwood — One of the most striking sights at the Gogebic County Fair was Kenneth Walker of Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

He was the bugler at Friday’s and Saturday’s harness racing events, providing a brief call to post before each race and also singing the national anthem at the start of each day’s races.

Walker said he aims at a Kentucky Derby look and was dressed to the nines: white pants, a red vest and jacket and a black bowler hat and boots. The final touch was a patriotic flag tie.

Walker, who is also in a community band in Oshkosh, played a dual role at the races by videotaping them for use on Facebook.

He said he’s been following the race circuit for 13 years and planned to travel next to Morrison, Illinois, followed by Elkhorn, Wisconsin.

“This is the oldest sport in Wisconsin,” said Walker, who has a gentlemanly air. “It started before the 1850s.”

Walker said that harness racing was, in fact, the genesis of county fairs.