SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – The 33rd Annual Celebration Spring Fun Show opens a three-night run Thursday at Calsonic Arena in Shelbyville. One of the most important spring shows in the walking horse industry, the Fun Show has been a springboard toward the World Grand Championship for many of the top horses of the breed.

Performances for the Fun Show begin at 7:00 p.m. each night and reserved seats are still available.

"I’m very excited to see how this year’s is going to go," said Celebration Board Chairman Pat Marsh. "I personally want to see the Fun Show return to the stature as the best spring show in the industry."

Many shows outside the Celebration saw a slight dip in entries during the last couple of years, but other major spring shows are showing an increase in 2003. The Walking Horse Trainers’ Association Show, The Mississippi State Charity Horse Show and the Panama City Beach Horse Show all showed increases in numbers and in the quality of entries.

"All businesses run in cycles, and ours is no different," explained Celebration CEO Ron Thomas. "If the numbers from the other shows this year are any indication, the Fun Show should be outstanding this year."

Thursday night’s performance features 15 classes on the schedule. One of the highlight classes will be the Four-Year-Old Walking Stallions. Another will be the Owner-Amateur Riders on Walking Stallions, 15.2 and Under.

Friday night kicks off with Owner-Amateur Youth Riders, 14 and Under on Walking Mares or Geldings and will feature the Two-Year-Old Walking Stallions.

The Yearling Colts and Three-Year-Old Stallions will set the stage for two potentially outstanding classes to end the show. The Owner-Amateur Riders on Four-Year-Old Walking Stallions class always features the top amateur riders in the industry on some of the very best horses.

Class 44, Walking Stallions, Over 15.2, Five Years and Over, is a preliminary showcase for horses that hope to compete for the World Grand Championship at the Celebration in August.

Camping spots in the RV Park adjacent to Calsonic Arena remain available. That, along with information on tickets can be obtained by going to The Celebration website or by calling the Celebration offices.