FAST FACTS The Grand American

Origin: Debuting in 1900 at the Interstate Park in Queens, New York, the Grand American was originally a four-day tournament in June. For the next 20 plus years the Grand American was set in cities such as Chicago, St. Louis and Columbus until it made its permanent home in Vandalia, Ohio, in 1923.
Numbers: Since its inception, the Grand American has grown from 20 competitors in 1900 to more than 5,600 in 1997.
Who was there: Over the years, the likes of Annie Oakley, Roy Rogers and John Philip Sousa have participated in the Grand .
Grounds: The ATA Homegrounds is a spectacular site in itself. The 100 trap fields at the Grand stretch some 1.75 miles along the Dayton International Airport's south end.