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Spring Fun Show set for good turnout

By MARK McGEE - mccgee@t-g.com
Posted 5/23/23

Memorial Day weekend is only a few days away and that means it’s time for the 53rd Annual Spring Fun Show.

A schedule of 69 classes is planned for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights in …

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Spring Fun Show set for good turnout

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Memorial Day weekend is only a few days away and that means it’s time for the 53rd Annual Spring Fun Show.

A schedule of 69 classes is planned for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights in the outdoor Celebration Arena on the showgrounds of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. 

“That arena is special, so we want to try to use it more often,” Celebration CEO Warren Wells said. “Leading up to the Celebration I think it is a good chance for people to practice in the big arena.

“So far, the weather forecast looks great. We are excited about that.”

Judging the Spring Fun Show will be Chris Bobo, Nathan Clark, and Chris Zahnd. Zahnd will be judging his first Celebration event but is an experienced judge. Bobo has judged the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration four times and has called the classes at the Fun Show many times. Clark is a five-time Celebration judge and has also judged the Fun Show multiple times.

Several special events are planned. A speed-racking exhibition is scheduled for Friday and Saturday nights. On Saturday night there will be a stick horse class for children to start the evening.

Justified Honors, the Celebration World Grand Champion in 2022 and 2021, will make a special appearance Saturday night with trainer John Allan Callaway in the saddle for Lisa and Dr. Jim Baum.

The show season has been strong giving Wells optimism for both sponsors and entries.

“I feel good about it,” Wells said. “Obviously it is fundraising time for me to get sponsors for the Fun Show and people have been really receptive.

“Typically, when people are receptive that means there is excitement for the show. I expect entries to do really well. With the weather, I think we will have a good crowd too.”

For spectators, there will be chairs in the first three rows in the box seat areas with open seating. General admission tickets are $5. There will be cash parking for $10.

“We are looking forward to a great show and are excited about having the show outdoors in Celebration Arena,” Wells said. “We have an experienced judging panel. I think everyone is going to really enjoy it this year.”