Billy Rogers with Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewerage System checks the connection to the Celebration's RV grounds recently a upgraded power lines.(T-G Photo by Mary Reeves) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

The stables are empty, the parking lot is deserted, but there's no doubt things are gearing up for the 38th annual International Spring Fun Show at Calsonic Arena this weekend.

"We've got to proofread the trophies, get the ribbons sorted," said Elaine Mann in the Celebration office. "We're gonna have a show!"

Out in the RV campground, utilities workers were busy as well. Many of the utilities for the campers have been upgraded and the workers were making sure everything was hooked up and ready to go.

A Memorial Day weekend tradition in Shelbyville, the Fun Show opens its three-night run on 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.

But until those gates open, no one knows for sure just which greats of the walking horse world will parade through, since the Fun Show has no early registration.

"We open the office at 4 p.m. Thursday," said Mann. "That will be our first clue."

Will the big name horses, the contenders for the crown such as Rowdy Rev, Jose's Intimidator, and The Titan be there? Rowdy Rev is still hot off of his Trainers' Show victory. Jose's Intimidator was named both 3- and 4-year-old World Grand Champion stallion. The Titan, formerly known as You Watch It, just had a big win at the Mississippi State Charity Horse Show.

"The Fun Show is a wonderful showcase for many great horses," said Celebration Board Chairman David L. Howard. "For some, it's the beginning of a championship campaign, while it could be considered a 'coming out party' for many of the talented, young horses."

Performances for the Fun Show begin at 7 p.m. each night, with box and reserved seats still available.

Many times in the past, the top winner at the Fun Show has gone on to win the World Grand Championship -- but it isn't a guaranteed victory. 2005 World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse, Main Power, used the Spring Fun Show as a jump start to a successful campaign toward The Celebration's most prestigious title, but Rowdy Rev with Bill Bobo took the Fun Show championship last year, and was the reserve World Grand Champion at the Celebration, with Master of Jazz winning the top honors.

For the fourth consecutive year, the Spring Fun Show will be affiliated with the WHTA Riders' Cup program. Nine classes over the three nights will offer points to the professional trainers.

Thursday night's schedule will feature 17 classes including Four-Year-Old Walking Stallions and the very popular Owner-Amateur Riders on Walking Ponies. In addition, there will be classes in Trail Pleasure and Country Pleasure as well as performance classes for amateur and professional riders.

The docket on Friday night has 15 classes ranging from youth riders all the way to the elite riders, 50 and over. Highlighted classes that night include Two-Year-Old Walking Stallions, 15.2 and Under Walking Stallion, and Owner-Amateur Riders on Three-Year-Old Stallions

Seventeen classes make up the Saturday night schedule. Classes for the top yearlings in the industry are slated as well as Park Performance and Show Pleasure classes, a showcase for young trainers, and seven classes for Owner-Amateur riders.

Class 49, Walking Stallions, Over 15.2, Five Years and Over has long been a showcase for horses that hope to compete for the World Grand Championship at the Celebration in August.

The Celebration has also announced that the streaming webcast, made possible with a partnership with Charter Media and Premier Horse Video, will be back for the Fun Show -- hopefully with the bugs worked out.

The project will allow fans around the world to view the Fun Show via computer.

"We have been able to provide the webcast of the Fun Show at no charge for three years," said Chip Walters, Celebration director of public relations. "We're happy to be able to do that again this year. Charter has provided wonderful service during the Fun Show."

Infrastructure problems customers faced during The Celebration in 2007 appear to have been corrected and have been thoroughly tested. An announcement on the Celebration webcast schedule will come soon.

Fans wanting to view the Spring Fun Show webcast will need to make sure they have the latest version of Windows Media Player downloaded to their computer. High speed connections provide the smoothest viewing experience. An active link will go up each night on The Celebration's home page (www.twhnc.com) as well as on Charter Mainstreet (www.yourmainstreet.com).

Gene "Smokey" Carswell of Morehead, Ky., Jennifer Bingham Davis of Shelbyville, and Mike McCormick of Shelbyville have been selected as judges for this year's show.

"I'm very happy with the group we have been able to put together for this year's show," said Celebration CEO and show manager Doyle Meadows in an earlier press release. "We've had a good deal of input from industry professionals and the individuals selected were names we kept hearing."

"It was important for us to get a good mix of experience levels," said Meadows. "The bottom line is that I expect this group to do a great job working together to make sure the best horse in each class is rewarded for their efforts."

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 684-5915.