DAN PATCH AWARDS WEEKEND TO INCLUDE SATURDAY OUTDOOR RECEPTION AND COUNTRY CONCERT

LEXINGTON, KY -- January 15, 2026 -- The U.S. Harness Writers Association (USHWA) and Diamond Creek Farm would like to invite all attendees to the Dan Patch Awards weekend at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Fla., to an outdoor cocktail reception on Saturday, Feb. 21.

USHWA is also excited to announce that Team Beau Jangles will be presenting country singer Mitch Rossell, who will be performing during the second half of the two-hour cocktail party, which gets underway on the Lake Toho Deck at Rosen Shingle Creek at 5 p.m.

Rossell performed during last year’s opening Dan Patch reception, and he didn’t hesitate to say yes when asked if would return for this year’s festivities.

“We are elated that Adam Bowden and Diamond Creek Farm will once again be sponsoring Saturday’s welcome reception, and we are equally as thrilled that Team Beau Jangles will be sponsoring the concert by Mitch Rossell, who was a huge hit last year,” said USHWA president Michael Carter.

Rossell is a singer-songwriter, penning songs for country superstar Garth Brooks, including the No. 1 hit “Ask Me How I Know,” as well as other songs such as “Dive Bar” and “That’s What Cowboys Do.” When Rossell performed for the first time at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, he was surprised when Brooks came out to do the introduction.

Rossell, who was an opening act for Brooks on his 2022 Stadium Tour, also performed in 2023 on America’s Got Talent, with his initial audition receiving a “yes” from all four judges and his song “Son” rocketing to the top spot on the iTunes all genres chart.

The cocktail reception is very casual attire, with an open bar and selection of light appetizers. Attendees will receive further information about the weekend’s activities in a welcome envelope that will be handed out upon check-in at Rosen Shingle Creek. Any horsepeople who are wintering in the area are also invited to the Diamond Creek reception.

“The reception is very casual and the timing still allows attendees to make dinner plans,” said Carter. “This will be a great start to a great weekend, culminating in the Dan Patch Awards dinner, presented by Caesars Entertainment, on Sunday night.”

Tickets for the Dan Patch Awards banquet are $230. There is also a reduced-price menu option for children 12 and under. Dinner tickets can be order until Feb. 16 by contacting Judy Davis-Wilson at zoe8874@aol.com or 302-359-3630 or Liz Cheesman at Elizabeth.lewis-house@winbakfarm.com. For a dinner ticket form please click here.