The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC) has decided to increase its entry fees for the first time in 10 years. In 2011, the preliminary entry fee will be $135 and the championship entry fee $250. These were $110 and $210 respectively in 2010. The World Grand Championship class entry fee will be $2,500 with 100% of the entry fee refundable if the entry does not show for any reason.   The Celebration will also increase its grounds fee from $50 to $75 in 2011. “The Celebration is forced to make these tough decisions as we face increasing costs and declining revenues,” said Celebration CEO Dr. Doyle Meadows.   Stall rentals at The Celebration are broken down by the type of stall on the show grounds. There are 3 tiers of stalls. Tier One stalls will be $295 as compared to $275 in 2010. Tier Two stalls will be $255 as compared to $235 in 2010. Tier Three stalls will be $190 which is the same as in 2010. Although stall rentals increased in 2011, it will not be a requirement that all horses entered have a stall.   “Although another alternative we looked at was requiring a stall rental for all horses entered, we did not feel we should implement this at this time. When we looked at other breed’s world championship fees we found that we were behind and even with these increases we still remain one of the least expensive world championship shows,” said Meadows.   He continued, “The Celebration has tried hard over the last 10 years not to increase entry fees and have been able to do so until this year. With the new premium distribution model, the increase in entry fees will add to the total purse at this year’s show.”