Celebration lighting up; ready for show
Tuesday, August 7, 2018
By Sadie Fowler
Crews were lined up, literally, yesterday revamping the grounds of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, which kicks off later this month. On Monday, Aug. 6, cranes lifted workman more than 100 feet into the air so that lights could be replaced and the press box revamped.
Specifically, arena lighting was changed to LED fixtures and updates in the press box included painting over the tradition brown color to the new “Blue Ribbon Blue” and replacing all the windows so they are energy efficient “E” class.
“These initiatives speak to the Board’s commitment, not only to the traditions of the Celebration, but also a commitment to all the people who make the Celebration the icon that it is,” said Mike Inman, Celebration CEO.
Together these two initiatives will total nearly $250,000 of capital investment into the big oval. Inman said that last year, during the championship nights of the Celebration, they experienced trouble in that many of the light fixtures failed to come back on in a timely fashion once they were turned off for the spotlight rides.
“Out of concern that the lighting might fail to come back on at all the decision was made not to turn the lights off for the world grand championship rides until the very last class on Saturday night,” Inman said. “Realizing that the ride under the spotlight is one of the Celebration’s strongest and most cherished tradition for exhibitors, trainers, and spectators, the Celebration board was determined to find a way to replace the original lighting so the spotlight tradition can go on. This work is the result of that decision.”
Coupled with the lighting change, the press box makeover addresses both maintenance needs and the simple need to update it stylistically. “So far reaction to the new look has been extremely positive,” Inman said. “I’m grateful to the support of all who make projects like this possible.”
More Stories |
-
The Walking Horse Trainers’ Auxiliary met on Friday, December 14, 2018 at the Cool Springs Marriott in conjunction with the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association Convention...
Read More
-
The Walking Horse Trainers’ Association held their annual election at their convention weekend at the Cool Springs Marriott...
Read More
-
Since it’s inception in 2005, the Riders’ Cup program has grown to be a highly competitive and respected program. To date, over $900,000 has been paid out to dedicated trainers who continue to bring top horses to shows all across the country
Read More
-
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration will continue its tradition of requiring ownership to show in amateur classes during the world championship horse show. In recent years, leases have become more popular and The Celebration would like to clarify its policy on temporary ownership.
Read More
-
The Farm Bill appeared in the headlines throughout 2018, including within the walking horse industry as an attempt was made earlier this year to include language in the bill that would have affected the walking horse industry...
Read More
-
Simply renew your subscription at regular price and order as many gifts at half price as you need to complete your holiday shopping in one simple step.
Read More
-
Read More
-
Lester John Anderson, Jr., 69, passed away Nov. 21at his home in Piney Flats, Tennessee. John’s career as a Tennessee Walking Horse trainer spanned many years. He thoroughly enjoyed working and showing these beautiful horses...
Read More
-
World Champion, My Bright Star, passed away on Thursday, November 22, 2018, from complications of colic. My Bright Star was born on October 3, 1998. He was 20 years old...
Read More
-
Two contested positions that required a ballot vote as well a couple more uncontested nominations resulted in a TWHBEA executive committee for 2019 that looks quite a bit different from last year’s. The election closed out the nearly three-hour annual International Board of Directors meeting Dec. 1...
Read More
|