by Debbie Graham
UNION CITY, Tenn. - The 19th annual Purchase Area Horseman’s Association held their High Point Awards Banquet on Feb. 2, 2008 at the Cox Center, the Obion County senior citizen center located in Union City, Tenn. Members and guests enjoyed a social hour and silent auction before having a delicious buffet catered by Sandy Edmondson.
Recognition was given to members of the association who own current world champions. High point, reserve high point and voted awards were presented. Jimmy McConnell and Dan Waddell were presented special plaques from the association for their accomplishments in 2007. McConnell was wearing his new blazer presented to him by the WHTA for riding the current world grand champion. It is emblazoned with both 2004 and 2007 for both of his world grand championship rides.
Kenny Ward, president, announced that this would be the association’s final awards banquet. The group will disband and concentrate all efforts on the Purchase Area Charity Horse Show which will continue. The date for the 2008 edition is March 29 on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Martin. Through the years the Purchase Area Horseman’s Association has supported the WPSD TV Telethon of Stars and more recently the American Cancer Society. The organization has had only three presidents during its history, Tommy Garland, Jimmy Faulkner and Kenny Ward who served twice.