The Mid-South Horse Show Association held its annual awards banquet on Jan. 8, 2005 at the University of Tennessee Agriculture Experiment Station. The evening began at 5:00 p.m. with a social hour where guests enjoyed appetizers and fellowship. Guests also viewed items at a silent auction.

A large crowd of members and guests filled the beautifully decorated banquet room when the festivities began at 6:00 p.m. Phillip Lay, president of the Mid-South Horse Show Association, welcomed members and recognized special guests. Lay gave a report on the success of the annual Mid-South Horse Show held in July where proceeds from the benefited Operation Hope in Jackson, Tenn. Next, Lay presented Bruce Hussey with a donation from the association. A delicious buffet dinner followed, which featured Corkey’s famous barbecue with all the trimmings.

Following the meal, a brief business meeting was conducted by Lay. The 2005 show schedule was presented and the show chairman announced their show dates. Ray Gilmer presided over the election of new board members. Newly elected board members are Tammy Bunch, Barry Carter, and Jill Cox. They join remaining board members Larry Carney, Martha Gandy, Ray Gilmer, Gary Lunsford, Carol Robinson, and Bill Williams. Retiring board members Kitty Herndon, Verner Smith, and Bob Trimble received recognition for their years of dedication and service to the Mid-South Horse Show Association.

Officers for this year are Phillip Lay, president; Joe Clift, vice president; Renita Trimble, secretary; and Beth Henderson, treasurer.

Next, Stephanie Carter, who will represent the Mid-South Horse Show Association as princess at the Germantown Charity Horse Show this summer, presented awards. She was assisted by Lay. The first awards of the evening honored current World Champions and World Grand Champions. High point and reserve high point awards were presented in 37 categories followed by the presentation of voted awards.