SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – The 39th Annual Celebration Spring Fun Show will open a three-night run on Thursday, May 21 in the Outdoor Stadium at 6:00 p.m.  This is a change in venues from recent years, but back to the place where the show began.  One of the premier spring shows in the walking horse industry, the Fun Show has been a springboard toward World Grand Championships for many of the top horses of the breed.

"The Fun Show is a wonderful showcase for many great horses,” said Celebration Board Chairman Charles McDonald.  “For some it is the beginning of a championship campaign while it could be considered a “coming out party” for many of the talented, young horses.”

For the fifth successive year, the Spring Fun Show will be affiliated with the W.H.T.A. Riders’ Cup program.  Nine classes over the three nights will offer points to the professional trainers.

The opening night’s schedule will showcase 16 classes including the Four-Year-Old Walking Stallions and the always popular Owner-Amateur Riders on Walking Ponies. 

Friday night’s docket is highlighted by the Two Year Old Walking Stallions, 15.2 and Under Walking Stallions, and Owner-Amateur Riders on Three-Year-Old Stallions.

A treat for young and old alike will be the return of face painting on Friday and Saturday nights.  Local artists will be on hand to paint your favorite horse’s name or other items right there on the spot.  This event is made possible by Judith Burgess.

Another attraction for attendees at the conclusion of the Friday evening performance will be the return of the group “ Entice”.  Mike and Beth Davis of Shamrock Farm and Mike and Lee McGartland are sponsors of the band’s return to The Celebration Grounds.  Fans may remember the band performing during the 2008 Celebration.  They will begin their performance at the conclusion of the night’s classes and continue until 12:00 a.m.

Sixteen classes will answer the gate call on Saturday night.  The show concludes with Class 47, Walking Stallions, Over 15.2, Five Years and Over, a class that has long been a showcase for horses that hope to compete for the World Grand Championship at The Celebration. 

Camping spots in the Celebration RV Park, adjacent to Calsonic Arena, remain available on a first-come, first- served basis.  That, along with information on box and reserved tickets can be obtained by going to The Celebration website at www.twhnc.com or by calling 931-684-5915.