SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. –Citing an opportunity to “do something for the legions of fans who have been loyal through thick and thin,” the Board of Directors of The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebrationsm has voted to roll back price increases approved in August of last year.  Prices for the 2007 Celebration will remain the same as in 2006.
            Typically there have been small increases to keep pace with escalating costs and inflation.  Prices for the following year are announced prior to the current Celebration since many people choose to pre-pay for some items while at the show.  Those individuals who have already paid for 2007 will be given a refund.
            “The Board was disappointed with some of the events at the 2006 Celebration and felt it appropriate to make this adjustment in appreciation for the outstanding support of our fans,” said Celebration CEO Ron Thomas.  “This reduction includes all box seats, reserved and general admission tickets, RV park fees, stall rentals, exhibitor and general parking, Blue Ribbon memberships, etc.”
            Additionally the Board had previously voted to pay prize money of $15,000 to each of the three entries that qualified for the World Grand Championship Class as well as refund their $2,000 entry fees.  “We regret we were unable to crown a World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horsesm in 2006 and our board felt it was appropriate to take this action as a show of good faith to those exhibitors whose horses had qualified,” Thomas said.
            “The financial impact of these actions is between $150,000 and $200,000 but the Board felt strongly that it was the proper thing to do.  “This is simply a gesture of good will and can in no way make up for what happened at last year’s show,” said 2007 Chairman David L. Howard.
       The Celebrationsm also took a number of disciplinary actions following the 2006 show and intend to take whatever steps are necessary to avoid a repeat of the events that led to the disruptions last year.
At their annual planning meeting held January 13, the board committed to play a more active and constructive role in the industry.  Chairman Howard said “Last year, Chairman John T. Bobo and others worked tirelessly to bring the various industry groups together and we met with little success.  We intend to build on and expand those efforts to insure the industry and The Celebrationsm never experience another year like 2006.”
“Being unable to crown a World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horsesm was unfortunate, but the good news is there are many positive signs that our industry is moving forward from some negative events and publicity in 2006,” said Thomas.”  “It’s vitally important that all groups in our industry put the positive talk and ideas into action.  We’re very fortunate to be dealing with the most versatile horse in the world and unquestionably the most exciting show horse.”
Thomas agrees with other industry leaders that the general public is watching closely how the events of 2006 will play out in 2007. 
“Public perception is a powerful thing and the long-term future of our industry is a stake.  We have a window of opportunity to show the world that we can put horses in the ring that everyone can be proud of.  It’s going to take hard work and dedication from everyone involved and The Celebrationsm will do its part to make sure that happens.”
The Celebrationsm is the longest continually- running event in the state of Tennessee, dating back to 1939.  The 2007 Celebration is scheduled for August 22-September 1.