Celebration brings Sands back to mike

Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration CEO Doyle Meadows confirmed over the weekend that former Celebration show ring announcer Bobby Sands will return to the center ring microphone for the Spring Fun Show and The Celebration in 2009.

Sands announced The Celebration from 1984 through 1997, and was inducted into the Celebration Hall of Fame in 1999. He has announced numerous other walking horse shows.

"I am delighted that Bobby has agreed to come back and be the 'Voice of the Celebration,'" Meadows said in a news release. "His knowledge of the walking horse industry and his past experience make him the logical choice to serve as our announcer."

Chip Walters, who had served not only as ring announcer but also as the Celebration's year-round director of public relations, was laid off by the organization in November, along with four other employees, in what officials said was a cost-cutting measure. His public relations duties were divided among existing staff after the layoff.

Sands, who has a full-time job as Maury County General Sessions Judge, is being brought in to fill only the announcer role.

Horse show announcing has been a hobby for Sands since he first announced at the MTSU Block and Bridle Club Show in 1972, according to a Celebration news release. He has served as the show ring announcer for premier walking horse shows across the country.

Prior to becoming a judge in 2004, Sands practiced law in Columbia beginning in 1979 and represented Maury County in the Tennessee General Assembly for six years.