Random Thoughts on Celebration 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008

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By David L. Howard

Pick The Winner

There are many different ways to analyze judges’ cards….all with strengths and negatives.  After the Friday night session, I did an analysis of how many times each judge picked the eventual winner in the class and it was most interesting.

Through the first 5 session, there had been a total of 70 classes and here is the breakdown:

Rollie Beard – 53 winners – 76%
Nathan Clark – 50 winners – 71%
Jamie Hankins – 50 winners – 71%
Mack Motes – 47 winners – 67%
Tommy Howell – 42 winners – 60%

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Alexander Fundraiser

I want to join United States Senator Lamar Alexander and Steve Smith in extending a note of thanks to those who attended a luncheon for the Senator on Friday afternoon.

The Senator has always had an open door policy for our breed representatives and has been a valuable ally in our dealings with the United States Department of Agriculture.

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Wireless Internet Access

Charter Media and The Celebration are providing free wireless internet access to visitors at this year’s show.  The service is available in the Calsonic Arena, at the Gift Shop and in the Mall under the West Grandstand.

Charter Media is a valued Corporate Sponsor of The Celebration and this service is very much appreciated.

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HSUS Response to My Statement

My comments about Keith Dane and the Humane Society of the United States apparently struck a nerve and generated a request from Heather E. Sullivan, Deputy Director of Public Relations.

Ms. Sullivan sent the following e mail to The Report.

“I am submitting this response from Keith Dane, director of equine protection at the Humane Society of the United States,  to the editorial by David L. Howard.  The piece was a personal attack on Mr. Dane and we would appreciate your publication printing his response.  Please contact me if you have any questions, and to let me know your decision on running Keith’s response.”

And I responded…

Thank you for your e mail.  I will be more than happy to consider printing Keith Dane’s response to my editorial if you will allow me the same privilege to respond to attacks on The Celebration and the Tennessee Walking Horse in your publication.  Please forward me something in writing by someone in authority at HSUS and we can move forward.

I have not heard back from HSUS.

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Celebration Diehards

Tommy Grider has missed one Celebration in 55 years and Lewisburg’s Tom Summers has 54 straight.

In the younger set, Grey Barker V celebrated his second birthday and second Celebration on August 22 and my illustrious grandson, Jax, enjoyed his second year screaming “Go Horse” for two hours Friday night.

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On the Lighter Side

How long a minute is depends on what side of the bathroom door you’re on.

Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once.

Wisdom comes with age – sometimes age comes alone.

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