Fonner Files: Rooting For Announcer Steve Anderson
Fonner Park CEO Chris Kotulak shares slices of life from the Grand Island, Neb., racetrack throughout the 2022 meet in the Fonner Files.
Steve Anderson has been calling races at Fonner Park for 19 years, but last Sunday, he took his first-ever sick day.
This coming weekend, and for the foreseeable future, the voice from the Fonner Park announcer’s booth will not be that of Steve Anderson. For nearly a year, Steve has been battling cancer and while he has been an absolute trooper, he must absolutely step away indefinitely.
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The man has given his all, with unwavering dedication to his job and his passion cannot be challenged. His "ding-dong’n it" and "pick’n 'em up and lay’n 'em down" and so many others are not his originals, and he’ll admit to that, but he has kept those endearing expressions alive and is ever so much a part of the Fon culture. While Steve is not currently "on the Bill Dailey," we must all continue praying for that kind, giving, resolute man to keep on battling on strongly.
Bubby Haar and Gary Schaaf happened to be in Grand Island last Sunday to pinch-hit for Steve. Gary Schaaf, who lives In Omaha, will be calling the races until further notice. He has manned the booth at the Columbus Races for 19 years.