There is so much to see and do at the 72nd Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration® running through September 4th. It’s a long standing Celebration tradition to decorate the stable area. Many barns are decorated to celebrate the 11 days of pageantry the Celebration holds. To honor their hard work there is a Stable Decorating Contest with the winning stable out of each category receiving a grand award and recognition in center ring during the evening performance.
The Stable Decorating Contest is sponsored by the Shelbyville-Bedford County Chamber of Commerce and The Celebration®. The competition was strong with many beautifully decorated barns and themes to choose from. The judges had a tough job at they toured the grounds, looking for the best of the best. The judges were looking for elegance, creativity, and beauty, along with functionality and cleanliness. Not to count out a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. This year’s competition did not disappoint with a showcase of stunning decorations and a touch of traditional southern horse-pitality!
The contest was divided up into three divisions: A – Horses Stabled on the Grounds, B – Horses Not Stabled on the Grounds with 1-6 horses, and C - Horses Not Stabled on the Grounds with more than 6 horses. The winner for division A was Tintern Abbey Farms/Milly Player Stables out of Lancaster, South Carolina, who brought the beach right to the barn. In the B Division, Bruce Hankins Sables from Lewisburg, Tennessee, was beautifully decorated in black, white and turquoise. Claiming the first place prize in the C Division was Michael Wright Stables, complete with a flat screen TV and fireplace. The Mayors Award this year went to Tintern Abbey Farms /Milly Player Stables! The Mayors’ award is earned through a composite of the 2 Mayors’ scores.
The Stable Decorating Contest was judged by a celebrity judging panel that included: Dr. Bridgett McIntosh, Grey Barker, City Mayor Wallace Cartwright, County Mayor Eugene Ray, and Whitney Danoff.
The Celebration® is the longest continually running event in the state of Tennessee and takes place each year during the 11-days and nights prior to Labor Day. It is the premier event for the Tennessee Walking Horse, and a top 20 event to attend in the Southeast region! Concluding this spectacular event it the traditional crowning of the World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse®. It is a festival event, encompassing exciting classes in competition for over $750,000.00 in prizes and awards. The 72nd Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration® takes place August 25th – September 4th.
Ticket purchases can be made by calling 931-684-5915. More Celebration information can be found at www.twhnc.com.