Civic and community clubs in Shelbyville/Bedford County have grossed over $4 million during the first 10 years of the 21st century as they prepared food and drink, parked cars and sold programs at the Celebration. The Celebration is proud that during the last 10 years approximately $2.5 million went into the clubs coffers to assist charities and support community service projects. “I do not know of another community where the civic clubs and ultimately Bedford County are given the opportunity to benefit from an event such as the Celebration,” said Dr. Doyle Meadows, CEO.
           
As the Celebration prepares for its 72nd edition, W. Henry Davis, a Shelbyville community leader, would be proud of the community civic club efforts made possible by the Celebration. After attending the Crimson Clover Festival on the Courthouse Square in Winchester, Davis decided that Shelbyville also needed a festival that would honor the area’s most prized possession – the easy-going grace, and the high-stepping beauty of the Tennessee Walking Horse. Davis carried his idea to the banks and civic clubs and in 1939 Shelbyville hosted the first Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration.
           
Seventy-two years later the civic clubs continue to be visible throughout the Celebration grounds. Although some of the clubs have been forced to hire workers to provide the goods or services, the value to the community is immeasurable. The millions of dollars reinvested into the community by the civic clubs have assisted people in a multitude of ways from helping people with their sight to providing aid to under-privileged children. “We are proud of our service clubs and it is our commitment to allow the community to benefit from the thousands of people who attend the Celebration annually,” added Meadows.