PROMOTION: Don't hide your trophies Want to promote the great game of horseshoes? Here's an idea. I was mighty proud to win a World Class Championship in Greenville. The first horseshoe trophy I ever won. But, who knows about it until someone asks you how you did. Don't be humble, advertise it! I set up a horseshoe display in a showcase at the Mount Clemens Recreation Center. The main goal was as a lead-in to get the community interested in joining the new Mount Clemens Indoor Horseshoe Pitchers Club. I used the headlines of "World Class Champion to be Director of New Indoor Horseshoe Pitchers Club." (The newpaper used other headlines.) I've been acquainted with some WSHPA members who have a wall of trophies, patches, pins, and other paraphernalia. Why not let people take a look? They will find out that there is more to horseshoe pitching than driving two stakes into the ground and maybe take up the sport. Besides putting a trophy in the show case, there are other things that can go with it. My collection is small, but here's what I used. The trophy, tournament shirt, Greenville and Bismarck shirts, World Tournament group and individual pictures, patches, score and stat sheets, bumper stickers, tournament buttons, newspaper

and WT programs, WT newspaper clippings, WT photos, round robin card, horseshoe equipment catalog, cap, WSHPA/NHPA brochures, horseshoe books and videos, real pitching shoes, and a horseshoe hook. I printed little signs to put on each item explaining what it is. It's just like a display you would see at a museum. And save a spot in the show case to advertise your local club. Tell them about the location, how to join, days, times, contact people and throw some current photos in of league or tournament play. Maybe have some club business cards printed up and available for people to take with them. Each director should think about having a local club brochure printed that could be handed out to interested prospects. If your community doesn't have a recreation center, there's always room in the public library or school for a display. You will get encouragement by contacting the person in charge. And I'll bet that they will be glad to help set up a display, or even do it for you if you furnish the goods. Your club has many members with trophies and goodies that would also make a great group display. So, as they say, toot your own horn. No one is going to do it for you. The great game of horseshoes is too important. Let everyone know what they are missing. As a club goal for the near future: Work on and put up a horseshoe display. Let's talk more horseshoes in future Ringer Reports.