by Debbie Graham
HUMBOLDT, Tenn. - The 71st annual West Tennessee Strawberry Festival was held on May 9, 2008, at the Chalmus Davenport Arena in Humboldt, Tenn. The Strawberry Festival is a week-long celebration that was founded in 1943 to promote the expanding strawberry industry and make Humboldt the center of the industry in West Tennessee. The event features many activities including a parade, but the highlight of the festival is the horse show and always features some of West Tennessee’s finest Tennessee Walking Horse contenders. The 2008 event was no exception with a large crowd in attendance. A large gallery of spectators enjoyed an evening of fun and entertainment. Delicious concessions and a dessert booth featuring homemade baked goods and strawberry shortcake were available.
Carlyle Johnson judged the 31 classes featured on the agenda. Tony Neill was master of ceremonies. Mike Farley handled the duties of ringmaster. Diane Beaver entertained the crowd with her popular horse show music on the keyboard. Brian Hayes was the farrier. Matt Morehead was the official photographer.
In the final class of the evening, Jimmy McConnell directed Busting Special to the West Tennessee tricolor in the WHTA Riders’ Cup Walking Horse Championship class for Larry and Farrah McAlexander.
Complete results can be viewed by clicking here.