SHELYBVILLE, Tenn. - With less than three weeks until show time, Dr. Doyle Meadows, CEO of The Celebration® announced entry numbers for this year's event. Pre-entries for the 71st Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration are 3,417 with over 1,700 horses. 

"With our economic downturn, we expected a drop in total numbers, but it is extremely gratifying to post such a solid number of entries," said Meadows. "The walking horse industry has faced some difficult challenges this show season and the credit for the continued success of our entries goes to all of the owners, trainers, and exhibitors from across the country that have helped make The Celebration® one of the premier championship shows in the equine world. We are thankful and humbled by the number of entries."

Meadows and Entry Office Manager Margaret Eakin noted a steady number of entries in the owner-amateur division. With a class schedule of 171 classes it was necessary to split 20 classes, with two classes three ways. 

Four new classes were added to the schedule for 2009 and they received strong support with an average of thirty (30) entries per class. "We get a great deal of input from our exhibitors concerning the class schedule," reported Eakin. "We review each suggestion carefully, and try to come up with a schedule and class listing that accommodates the most exhibitors. We are extremely happy to see the strong support we received for the new classes added this year," she stated. 

The Celebration® is the longest continually running event in the state of Tennessee and the 71st rendition kicks off with morning classes on Wednesday, August 26th and the initial night performance in the outdoor stadium will be on Thursday night, August 27th. 

Ticket purchases can be made by calling 931-684-5915. More Celebration information can be found at www.twhnc.com. 

The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration® takes place each year during the 11-days and nights prior to Labor Day. It is the premier event for the Tennessee Walking Horse, culminating with the crowning of the World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse®. It is a festival event, encompassing exciting classes in competition for over $750,000.00 in prizes and awards. Other activities include a barn decorating contest, a trade fair, a barbeque cookout, and a dog show. The 71st Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration® will take place August26th - September 5th.