Dale Barnett, a native of Tennessee and Bedford County, has been named Celebration Marketing and Media Director.  Dale will actively pursue events to be held in Calsonic Arena as well as other activities held on the grounds.  In addition, Dale will provide public relations support for the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration®.  Dale is a graduate of Shelbyville Central High School and Middle Tennessee State University before receiving his Masters Degree at the University of Kentucky in equine studies.

Before joining the staff, Dale was serving as the manager of the Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. Horse Complex in Raleigh, NC.  The Hunt Horse Complex is one of the busiest equine event facilities in the eastern part of the United States.  The facility arenas were booked 50 weeks with 179 total event days during 2010.  The event facility was utilized by horse as well as non-horse events.  Additionally, he has twelve years of university teaching experience where he has taught equine management courses, conducted research and was involved extensively in youth and adult educational programs in North Carolina, Texas and Kentucky.

Dale has had a tremendous amount of judging experience.  He has judged various breeds and types of shows professionally throughout his career including National and World Championship shows in the United States and abroad.  Dale has served on several breed association judges and rules committees at the national level.

“We are excited to have Dale join the staff at The Celebration®.  He is a true horseman and has the love, respect and passion for all breeds, events and aspects of the horse industry.  We look forward to the many great opportunities and challenges for Dale to further market and promote the Calsonic Arena and the TWHNC®,” said Doyle Meadows, Chief Executive Officer.

Barnett said, “I consider it an honor and a great opportunity to join the staff at The Celebration®.  Having grown up near Normandy, I am fully aware of all the significance The Celebration® brings to this area.  I am very happy to return and move my family to Bedford County.”

Dale and his wife Liz have two girls, Jordan (12) and Meagan (9) and they will be joining Dale in Shelbyville after the current school terms ends.