Steve Schoeffel has been driving and training harness horses for over 20 years, and he still gets excited every time the Big Butler Fair comes around.

This is the home base for me," said the 36 year-old Evans City resident. "It's nice being at home because you don't have to go anywhere. You can just wake up and go race your horses in front of the local people."

Schoeffel, who many of his family and friends know affectionately as "Beaner", has a stable of about 15 horses. He expects them to make a strong presence at the Butler fair this week.

"We're racing five horses on Thursday," said Schoeffel. "We've got some nice 2 year-old horses, including a trotting colt (Brannan Hanover) that hasn't been beat yet."

Brannan Hanover is considered to be one of the fastest horses in his class in the Northeast.

"He just missed the track record up in Buffalo last week by less than a second, so he's a pretty nice colt," noted Schoeffel. "He was kind of a late-bloomer, but I really started noticing his potential about six weeks ago. He put two-and-two together, and has been great ever since."

Schoeffel also has high expectations for his 2 year-old filly Big Time Hanover.

"She has a win and a second so far this year," said Schoeffel. "(Even though it's early in the year), she seems to be the real deal."

The horse industry is in the blood for the Schoeffels, as Steve can count on everyone in his family for a helping hand.

"My dad Terry owns horses and is part of the Harness Horseman's Association," said Schoeffel. "My mom Ginny helps out, as do my wife Kathy and my kids (Brett and Brooke) when they can. Brett's only eight years old, but he's learning how to jog horses already."

Schoeffel is a regular on the Pennsylvania fair circuit, but he will attempt to branch out this summer.

"I've got one horse that I'll be taking to New York and one that will be going to New Jersey," said Schoeffel. "I've got a couple racing up in Canada as well. We're trying to hit everywhere we can to try and make some money."

Despite moving on to a couple of new venues, Schoeffel has a special place in his heart for his home turf.

"I've been in the business for 23 years now, so it's always nice to get back home," said Schoeffel. "I set the track record a few years back with a horse named Our Old Homebread, and just missed it last year with another horse, so I've had my share of success here."

As for what he is looking for this week, Schoeffel mentioned two things.

"Hopefully I'll be able to get a bunch of wins and the fans will wake up early so they can get there to see the races," he said.

Cimbal is a publicist for the United States Trotting Association.