On May 22, 2008 the first night of the 38^th Annual Spring Fun Show kicked off. Put on by the Celebration, the atmosphere resembled that of the grand event in late August.

The show began promptly at 7pm in “Celebration” tradition with Bud Seaton entering the ring of the Calsonic Arena on his all white horse, Counterfeit Dollar, owned by the Curtice McCloy family, carrying the American flag. Six officials from the USDA also were in attendance assisting the National Horse Show Commission with the inspection process.  Thursday night also marked the first Celebration performance for new CEO Dr. Doyle Meadows.

 

With 16 classes on the schedule and all of them full, the largest one of the evening was the Amateur Three-Year-Old Mares and Geldings totaling 24 entries. The winner of the large class was Jazz After Hours and Debbie Eichler riding under the Rising Star Ranch banner.

Two up and coming two–year-olds claimed their third blues of the season. Paroled In Texas won the Two-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class with John Allan Callaway for owners Coggin and Whittenburg. Gail Walling and The Dixie Lineman topped the Amateur Two-Year-Old Stallions class for McDonald and Walling.

The blue ribbon tally for the night looked like this.  Recording two blues on the night were Allan Callaway Stables, Rising Star Ranch and Southern Serenity Stables.  Single blues were won by Finish Line Farms, David Landrum Stables, Tim Smith Stables, Mickey McCormick Stables, Formac Stables, Chad Williams Stables, Steve Hankins Stables, Liz Gassaway, Moore-Foust Farm, and Charlie Howard.
 
All in all the night was a huge success as 208 entries made the gate call on the first night.  The success and performances of the first night left everyone anticipating a great weekend for the Fun Show. 

Click here for a complete list of results from the show.