Let em' Walk on!

Ladies and Gentlemen, the horses are a commin'!

Since I was a very little girl, I have always been an attendant of the Celebration. I guess it's kind of in my blood now. My dad has been involved in the show for about as long as I can remember. Some of my best Celebration memories started when he worked in the press box. I don't know exactly what he did in there, but I know he had the best seat in the house. After the press box gig, he moved on to the center ring as a ringmaster. I am always proud when I see him and the other guys all decked out in their matching suits.

Even our box seat is special to me. For many years I have sat there with my grandparents and friends. I would whittle toothpicks with grandaddy and beg mimi for just one more icee or cotton candy. I had always dreamed of being one of the kids that would scream "popcorn!" "peanunts!", but my grandmother always told me that someone might get me! A glow stick always seemed to make me feel better.

For many many years, I have had the honor of presenting trophies in different classes. I started with the morning shows and later moved on to present a trophy in memory of my mother. The past few years, I have been able to share that with my husband and daughter. Dad is always out there as well.

In high school and college I was able to do summer work in just about every department of the Celebration. One summer I worked with Ms. Connie Nixon, then I worked in the ticket office, and my last year I assisted with the production of the Blue Ribbon Yearbook.

To me, the Celebration isn't all about the horses and the wonderful food. It's about tradition and seeing friends that you see one time a year.

I am so happy that I am able to share this tradition with my own daughter. This past year I was concerned that we wouldn't have another Celebration and Ava would never know the excitement I felt every August.

Although I don't agree with a lot of things that some trainers do, I keep the faith that the people behind the scenes will do their job to make sure everything is fair and safe.

So, If you've never experienced a night at the Celebration, I encourage you to do so. I'm sure once that organ starts playing and you see the colorful flags and smell the Quarter Back club food, you will be a fan for life.