Shelbyville, Tenn. – Celebration CEO Dr. Doyle Meadows announced today that veteran horse show announcer, Bobby Sands, will return to the Celebration to serve as show ring announcer for the Spring Fun Show and Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration® in 2009.  Sands previously served as the Voice of the Celebration for fourteen years from 1984 – 1997, and has continued to announce at other shows since his induction into the Celebration Hall of Fame in 1999.
 

“I am delighted that Bobby has agreed to come back and be the ‘Voice of the Celebration’” stated Meadows in making the announcement.  “His knowledge of the walking horse industry and his past experience make him the logical choice to serve as our announcer.”
 

Horse show announcing has been a hobby for Sands since he first announced at the MTSU Block and Bridle Club Show in 1972.  Over the years he has served as the show-ring announcer for the premier walking horse shows across the country.  When he is not on the horse show circuit, Sands can be found presiding as Judge in General Sessions Court in Columbia, Tennessee.  Prior to becoming a Judge in 2004, Sands practiced law in Columbia since 1979 and represented Maury County in the Tennessee legislature for six years.
 

The 39th Annual Spring Fun Show is scheduled to begin on Thursday evening, May 21st, 2009.  The 71st Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration® will run from August 26th thru September 5th, 2009 and conclude with the crowning of a World Grand Champion® on Saturday night before Labor Day.