By Whitlei Burks

Every August, thousands of people make their way to The Celebration to watch champions crowned, hear the organ echo through the arenas and experience traditions that have been passed down for generations. Fans see the trophies presented, the spotlight rides celebrated and the victory passes that become lasting memories. What they don't see is the team working quietly behind the scenes to make every one of those moments possible.

Before beginning this project, I thought I had a good understanding of what happened in Center Ring. I quickly realized I had only scratched the surface. From coordinating hundreds of presentations and keeping classes on schedule to assisting judges, verifying inspections and solving countless behind-the-scenes challenges, an entire team works in sync to ensure The Celebration runs seamlessly.

What surprised me most wasn't the amount of work—it was the people. Every conversation came back to the friendships built over years of working together, the pride they take in their responsibilities and the joy they find in helping create unforgettable moments for exhibitors and spectators alike. Along the way, they also shared the traditions they cherish, the food they never miss and the experiences every first-time visitor should have. So, before you head off for an Optimist doughnut or a country ham sandwich, meet the team behind the tradition.
 
Jimmy Burton

Few people have watched The Celebration evolve quite like Jimmy Burton.

For more than four decades, Burton has been one of the familiar faces behind the scenes. What began in 1983 selling programs for the Community Lions Club eventually led to roles as a ringmaster, entry office staff member, arena marketing manager and, since 2001, Center Ring Clerk.

As Center Ring Clerk, Burton helps ensure every class runs smoothly. He communicates with the inspection area to verify which horses have completed inspection before entering the ring. Once a class arrives in Center Ring, he confirms every horse has met inspection requirements, helping keep the competition organized and on schedule.

While fans focus on the competition, Burton says they rarely see the teamwork required to make each performance possible. Every class, presentation and championship moment depends on people who know their jobs and trust one another. After years of working together, the Center Ring staff has developed a rhythm that allows everyone to step in wherever they're needed, often before anyone realizes help is required.

Ask Burton what keeps him coming back each year, and the answer comes quickly.

"The people."

The friendships he has built over the years are what make The Celebration special. Although many members of the staff only see one another during The Celebration, they pick up right where they left off each August.

His favorite World Grand Champion is Bud Dunn and RPM. Burton still remembers watching Dunn work the horse each day in the lot beside The Celebration office, memories that have stayed with him throughout his career.

Looking back over more than 40 years, one memory still stands above the rest. During a pair of unexpected rain delays, lightning forced everyone to take shelter in Center Ring. Ribbon presenters crawled beneath tables, papers blew through the air and nearly everyone ended up soaked. What seemed chaotic at the time has become one of those stories longtime staff members still laugh about today.

Away from Center Ring, Burton is an avid University of Tennessee sports fan. During The Celebration, however, there are a few things he refuses to be without: his glasses, a favorite pen and paperweights made from rocks he collected during the construction of Cooper Steel Arena.

When it's time to eat, Burton looks forward to a Community Lions Club country ham sandwich each year and always makes time to support the Tony Rice Center food booth.

His advice for first-time visitors is simple: arrive early and explore the barns. The conversations, decorations and atmosphere offer a side of The Celebration that can't be experienced from the grandstands alone. Before heading home, he says, don't leave without trying one of the famous Optimist Club doughnuts.

Callaway Dial

Few people spend more time in the middle of the action than Callaway Dial.

For the past nine years, he has served as one of The Celebration's ringmasters, helping ensure every class runs safely and smoothly. Before stepping into Center Ring, however, Dial spent a decade working alongside Dean Johnson in the video booth. When then-CEO Mike Inman offered him the opportunity to become a ringmaster, he didn't hesitate.

Today, Dial's responsibilities include protecting riders and horses, assisting the judges and working closely with show management to keep every class moving efficiently. Much of what he does goes unnoticed by spectators, and that's exactly how he likes it.

"The best shows are the ones where nobody notices us," he said with a smile.

Although fans naturally focus on the horses, Dial says one of the most rewarding moments comes after the class is over. Watching a winning rider take the spotlight ride never gets old. Seeing the excitement on a winner's face, he says, is every bit as rewarding as watching the celebration unfold among family and friends in the grandstands.

For Dial, though, the best part of the job has always been the people.

Whether he's helping exhibitors, working alongside fellow staff members or simply making someone's day a little better, he says the relationships are what bring him back each year. Over time, the Center Ring staff has become more than coworkers—they've become family.

When it comes to World Grand Champions, Justified Honors stands above the rest. Dial describes the horse as the definition of a Tennessee Walking Horse, admiring the effortless way he performed every time he entered the ring.

Some of his favorite moments happen away from the spotlight. After championship horseshoes are presented, flowers often fall to the ground. Rather than letting them go to waste, Dial enjoys handing them to children gathered along the rail, creating small memories they can take home long after The Celebration ends.

Outside Center Ring, Dial enjoys spending time with his wife, children and family. During the 11-day Celebration, however, he says he couldn't make it through without plenty of water—and the unwavering support of those closest to him.

When hunger strikes, there's only one answer: a country ham sandwich.

If someone is experiencing The Celebration for the very first time, Dial encourages them to attend the Stake Class on either the first or final Saturday night. The atmosphere, tradition and excitement surrounding those performances, he believes, showcase The Celebration at its very best.

There's one responsibility many fans never realize belongs to Dial. He and his brother, Russell, are both DQP-certified and can safely retrieve a horse's shoe should one come off during competition. It's just another example of the countless behind-the-scenes responsibilities quietly handled by the Center Ring staff each night.

J. French Brantley

Long before J. French Brantley ever sat behind the organ in Center Ring, he dreamed of one day playing at The Celebration.

A lifelong fan of the event, Brantley attended his first Celebration when he was less than two months old. Today, he helps provide the soundtrack to one of the horse industry's most cherished traditions while also assisting Charles McDonald with organizing trophies for Center Ring presentations.

This year marks Brantley's 11th season working Celebration events. He began playing the organ for the Fun Show and Fall Classic in 2016 while also serving as a ring escort. After making his Celebration debut as an organist in 2021, he returned in 2023 and has remained behind the organ ever since.

His path to the organ bench began years earlier through a friendship with longtime Celebration organist Larry Bright. In 2015, Bright invited Brantley to fill in for one class each night so he could take a short break. That opportunity, combined with Brantley's lifelong love of organ music and horse shows, opened the door to the role he had dreamed about since childhood.

By the time he played his first horse show in 2011, Brantley knew exactly where he hoped the journey would lead.
While spectators hear the music and enjoy the polished presentations, Brantley says few realize how much work happens behind the scenes. From staff members to volunteers, everyone works together to create an event that appears effortless to those watching from the stands.

For Brantley, however, the people are what make The Celebration special.

Seeing familiar faces each August—from spectators and presenters to fellow Center Ring staff members—makes every long day worthwhile. Even after several years in the role, he still admits to getting butterflies before every performance, grateful for the opportunity to live out a dream he once thought was out of reach.

His favorite World Grand Champion is He's Puttin’ On The Ritz. Although he was too young to remember the horse's World Grand Championship victory, Brantley has long been fascinated by him and vividly remembers attending the horse's retirement ceremony in 2006.

Looking back, two memories stand above the rest. The first came in 2015 when Larry Bright invited him to fill in on the organ for the first time—a moment that forever changed the course of his career. The second came in 2023 as John Allan Callaway, Link Webb and Casey Wright continued making pass after pass around Center Ring, savoring every second of an unforgettable World Grand Championship celebration.

Away from The Celebration, Brantley serves as pianist and organist at his church. Music has always been at the center of his life, while his family's connection to the Tennessee Walking Horse runs just as deep. His great-great-grandfather owned Allan F-1, the foundation sire of the breed.

When dinner rolls around, Brantley heads straight to the Kiwanis Club for chicken strips with honey mustard.
His advice for first-time visitors is to experience both Opening Ceremonies and the World Grand Championship class. From the presentation of the white horse and the Grand Ole Flag to the crowning of a World Grand Champion, he believes those traditions capture the history, pride and spirit of The Celebration better than anything else.

Emelia Peery

At just 20 years old, Emelia Peery has already become one of the most recognizable members of the Center Ring team.

As presentation coordinator, she is responsible for making sure every trophy, ribbon and presenter is exactly where they need to be. It's a fast-paced job that demands organization, attention to detail and the ability to stay calm under pressure—qualities she has embraced over the past four years.

Her connection to The Celebration began long before she joined the staff. For years, Peery's family sponsored trophies, giving her the opportunity to participate in presentations as a child. The year before accepting her current role, she was asked to help during championship nights, offering her a firsthand look at everything happening behind the scenes.

At just 16 years old, she interviewed for the position and still remembers the advice she received.

"You're going to make mistakes. You're going to get upset, and you're probably going to cry. Just stay calm. There are people here to help you, and everything will be okay."

Years later, she still carries those words with her.

If fans think the action stops when one class leaves the ring, Peery is quick to say otherwise.

On most weeknights, she has about 11 minutes to organize the next presentation. Championship classes stretch that to roughly 13 minutes, but those extra minutes often include coordinating 30 or more presenters, arranging substitutes and making countless last-minute adjustments. Every presentation has to be picture-perfect before the next class arrives.

"There really isn't time to stop," she laughed. "Most nights the only thing I manage to eat is Callaway Dial's Rotel dip."

What keeps her coming back each year isn't just the work—it's the people.

She takes pride in making sure every winner's photo is one they'll treasure forever, whether that means straightening a lineup, adjusting someone's position or catching a small detail no one else noticed. Just as important are the friendships she's built along the way.

Known affectionately as the group's "Celebration Barbie" and "little sister," Peery says the Center Ring staff has become family.

Her favorite World Grand Champion is Gen A'Mighty, a horse she admits she's a little biased toward after spending time working at Sugar Creek. She remembers greeting him every day with a soft peppermint—his favorite treat—and still keeps peppermints in her car in case she stops by to visit. Watching owners Mike Floyd and Amy Rich celebrate Gen A'Mighty's World Grand Championship from her spot near the Stake lineup remains one of her favorite memories.

Two Celebration moments stand above all the rest.

The first came before she officially joined the staff. A torrential downpour forced everyone to take shelter on championship night, but instead of dampening the excitement, the crew turned it into an unforgettable evening. Standing beside judge Jamie Bradshaw and ringmaster Callaway Dial, she couldn't stop smiling.

When Bradshaw asked why she was laughing, her answer was simple.

"It's The Celebration. Why wouldn't I be excited?"

Music soon filled the arena, a spirited game of rock-paper-scissors broke out and Bradshaw ultimately selected “The Thunder Rolls” to play over the loudspeakers.

Her second favorite memory has become an annual tradition. During her first full year on staff, she wore a pair of pink bedazzled heels. Derrick Bonner jokingly asked if she'd clicked her heels three times like Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz.” Ever since, every Celebration has included either sparkling heels or a pair of red shoes.

Outside Center Ring, Peery remains deeply involved in agriculture. A proud former FFA member, she earned the American FFA Degree—the organization's highest honor—and will officially receive it this fall in Indianapolis. She also serves as chair of the Lewis County Young Farmers and Ranchers and stays active with Farm Bureau alongside her father, the Lewis County Farm Bureau president.

There's one thing she absolutely refuses to work The Celebration without: a 7 Brew iced energy drink with coconut, lime and peppermint.

When it's time for a snack, nothing beats the fried Oreos from the Band Boosters stand. She laughs that Warren Wells always saves a batch for her while everyone else gets doughnuts.

Her advice for first-time visitors is to experience Championship Night, but she also encourages everyone to attend Sunday evening when J. French Brantley fills the Ring with worship music. She also recommends visiting the Here's to the Horse event, where The Celebration and the agricultural community come together in a way few other events can.

Russell Dial

Russell Dial spends every night where the action is.

For the past five years, he has served as one of the Celebration's ringmasters, helping protect riders, horses and judges while keeping each class moving safely and efficiently from start to finish.

His journey to Center Ring began with a familiar face. After gaining experience working Center Ring at other horse shows, Dial was introduced to the role by his brother, Callaway. Today, the two work side by side throughout The Celebration, playing an important role in keeping the show running smoothly.

While spectators enjoy the polished presentations and exciting competition, Dial says few realize just how much is happening behind the scenes. Between coordinating presentations, preparing for the next class and making sure everyone is where they need to be, Center Ring is in constant motion—even when the audience never notices.

That's one of the things he enjoys most about the job.

Standing in the ring gives Dial a perspective few people ever experience. He gets to watch each class through the judges' eyes while interacting with riders, trainers and exhibitors throughout the evening. Every night offers a front-row seat to some of the best horses in the industry.

When it comes to World Grand Champions, The Touch with Chad Way in the irons remains his favorite. It was the first World Grand Championship he vividly remembers, and he also recalls enjoying Jimmy McConnell's many memorable rides through the years.

Among the many memories he's collected in Center Ring, watching Cavender capture the World Grand Championship stands above the rest. Experiencing that moment from inside the ring is something he'll never forget.

Outside The Celebration, Dial spends much of his time coaching youth travel baseball, another passion that keeps him busy throughout the year.

His Celebration essentials are simple: doughnuts.

"They help get me through the day," he joked.

When it's time for a full meal, however, a country ham sandwich is always his first choice.
His advice for first-time visitors is just as straightforward.

"Don't leave before the last class Saturday night."

The World Grand Championship, he says, is what every exhibitor works toward, and it's an experience every fan should witness at least once.

Kyle Thomas

For Kyle Thomas, Center Ring has felt like home for most of his life.

His journey began as a Center Ring escort from 1996 through 2000 before he stepped into the role of ringmaster from 2001 to 2007. After returning in 2025, this year marks his 14th season working The Celebration.
Getting there took a little persistence.

Thomas repeatedly asked his father, former Celebration CEO Ron Thomas, if he could become involved. Eventually, Ron gave in and found him a job he joked Kyle "couldn't mess up." That opportunity sparked a lifelong connection to Center Ring and the traditions that have kept him coming back ever since.

Today, Thomas helps keep the show running safely and efficiently, but he says most fans would be surprised to learn that the vast majority of the work happens behind the scenes.

"More than 90 percent of what makes The Celebration successful happens where people never see it," he said.
Much of a ringmaster's responsibility is simply keeping the show moving. In fact, Thomas believes the best compliment a ringmaster can receive is going unnoticed.

"If nobody notices us, we've done our job."

What keeps him coming back, however, isn't just the responsibility—it's the people and the view.

Working in Center Ring gives Thomas what he calls the best seat in the house, allowing him to watch some of the greatest Tennessee Walking Horses in the world while working alongside a team he genuinely enjoys.

When it comes to World Grand Champions, one horse stands above the rest.

Out On Parole, the 2002 World Grand Champion, remains his favorite. To this day, Thomas considers him the greatest Tennessee Walking Horse he has ever seen.

Looking back over nearly three decades, one memory still rises above the rest.

When Master Of Jazz captured the 2007 World Grand Championship, the atmosphere inside Celebration Arena was unlike anything Thomas had experienced. After the unprecedented 2006 Celebration, when no World Grand Champion was named, uncertainty surrounded the Championship Stake. The relief, excitement and emotion that filled the arena when a champion was finally crowned is something he'll never forget.

Away from The Celebration, Thomas enjoys spending time with his family, traveling and writing. A playwright by trade, storytelling has always been one of his greatest passions.

During The Celebration, he never misses a stop at Shoeshine in Barn 10, and when it comes to food, nothing beats the famous Optimist Club doughnuts.

His advice for first-time visitors is a little different than most.

Stay long enough to hear the "Flat Walk Boogie."

For longtime Celebration fans, those familiar notes signal that another class is entering Center Ring. It's a tradition that instantly feels like home and one Thomas believes every visitor should experience.

Charles McDonald

If you've spent much time around The Celebration, you've probably heard the same advice.
"Go ask Charlie Mac."

Whether it's a question, a last-minute change or a problem that needs solving, Charles McDonald is the person everyone turns to. As Show Chairman, he's the one making sure the countless moving pieces behind the scenes come together so The Celebration runs as smoothly as it has for generations.

His connection to The Celebration spans an incredible 65 years.

At just 12 years old, McDonald landed his first job helping legendary photographer Les Nelson carry and organize his camera equipment. What started as an opportunity to lend a hand gradually turned into a lifetime of service.
Over the years, he worked as a Center Ring escort, helping presenters enter and exit the ring before moving to the press box, where he coordinated media credentials, welcomed members of the press and made sure results were delivered promptly.

His responsibilities continued to grow when he became executive assistant to then-CEO Ron Thomas. While Thomas focused on everything happening inside Center Ring, McDonald oversaw operations outside the ring, coordinating security, inspection and countless behind-the-scenes departments. Eventually, that experience led him to the role he still serves today as Show Chairman.

Ask McDonald what his job entails, and he'll simply smile.

"I'm the guy who keeps the wheel turning."

Just as quickly, however, he'll tell you the job isn't about him.

"The staff makes it work."

He believes the people around him are The Celebration's greatest strength. Their willingness to work together, solve problems and do whatever is needed is what allows the show to operate as seamlessly as it does.
While fans celebrate the champions, McDonald knows how much preparation happens long before anyone enters the ring.

Every trophy must be organized. Every presentation has to be planned. Every detail must fall into place before a winner is ever announced. Most spectators never realize how much coordination goes into those few minutes in Center Ring, but McDonald sees it every night.

When it comes to World Grand Champions, he admits it's difficult to choose just one. His attention is usually focused on making sure the evening runs smoothly rather than watching a particular class. Still, Honors is one horse that stands out in recent years.

Looking back over more than six decades, the memories that stay with him most aren't necessarily championship rides.

Instead, he remembers the unexpected challenges.

Weather delays. Last-minute changes. Situations that forced everyone to adapt.

Those moments, he says, have always revealed the character of the Center Ring staff. Watching people come together under pressure and keep The Celebration moving has left the greatest impression on him.
Away from The Celebration grounds, McDonald enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, attending their school activities and cheering them on at sporting events. He also spent 38 years with Duck River Electric, a career he considers one of life's greatest blessings.

When asked what he couldn't work The Celebration without, his answer comes without hesitation.
"The staff."

To him, they're the reason The Celebration continues to run as smoothly today as it has for decades.
When it's time to eat, a country ham sandwich is still his favorite meal on the grounds.

His advice for anyone attending The Celebration for the first time is to experience both ends of the week.
Arrive early enough to witness Opening Ceremonies, where the pageantry, patriotism and tradition set the tone for everything that follows.

Then stay until the very end.

The World Grand Championship Stake, he says, is the moment that defines The Celebration.

Travis Olinger

Long before most fans have found their seats, Travis Olinger is already welcoming exhibitors to the Ring.
For the past five years, he has served as The Celebration's morning announcer, guiding competitors through each class while helping ensure every session begins on schedule.

Olinger's path to the announcer's stand was built over years of experience announcing both Tennessee Walking Horse and American Saddlebred shows. Along the way, he worked alongside veteran announcer Mark Farrar and developed a passion for the microphone while exhibiting Hackneys and Saddlebreds himself. Those experiences eventually opened the door to The Celebration.

While spectators hear the announcements and enjoy the competition, Olinger says they may not realize how much preparation goes into every class.

Correctly pronouncing every horse, rider and owner's name, making sure classes follow the rules and keeping the show moving all require constant attention. Mistakes happen, he says, but everyone behind the scenes takes pride in getting the details right because they understand how important those moments are to the people competing.

Like so many of his fellow Center Ring staff members, Olinger says the people are what make The Celebration special.

The friendships built over the years extend well beyond the 11 days in Shelbyville, and each August feels like a reunion with people who have become family.

Rather than choosing a favorite World Grand Champion, Olinger finds some of his favorite moments during the morning performances.

He especially enjoys watching the in-hand classes with young horses, appreciating the countless hours handlers invest in preparing them. Seeing exhibitors celebrate those early accomplishments is every bit as rewarding as watching championship victories later in the week.

One of Olinger's favorite Celebration memories came before he ever joined the staff.

Arriving early one night, he walked into Center Ring before the crowds had filled the stands. Seeing the arena prepared for the day and watching the flag horse enter the ring gave him a new appreciation for the tradition he would later become part of.

Away from The Celebration, Olinger works as an engineer and enjoys spending time with his wife and young son, Arlow. Whether he's cheering on Tennessee football and basketball or taking Arlow to T-ball and soccer games, family time is what he values most.

When asked what he couldn't work The Celebration without, Olinger answered with a smile.
"Charlie Mac."

He credits Charles McDonald as the steady presence who keeps everything running behind the scenes and says The Celebration simply wouldn't be the same without him.

Like many longtime Celebration fans, Olinger never passes up an opportunity to grab a fresh Optimist doughnut.
His advice for first-time visitors is to experience more than just the final Saturday night.

While the World Grand Championship Stake is an obvious must-see, Olinger also recommends attending the first Sunday evening. Between the outstanding young junior stallions and the electric atmosphere, he believes it's one of the best nights to experience everything The Celebration has to offer.

John Oliver

For John Oliver, working in Center Ring combines two things he has always loved horses and people.
For the past five years, he has served as one of The Celebration's ringmasters, helping ensure every class runs safely and efficiently. Working alongside the judges and fellow ringmasters, he helps maintain order in the ring while keeping the show moving from one class to the next.

His journey to Center Ring began with a simple Facebook post.

A friend spotted the opening, sent it to Oliver and encouraged him to apply. Already familiar with the horse industry through years of showing and his work at the Fayetteville Horse Show, he decided to take a chance. Five years later, he's become an important part of the Center Ring team.

What keeps Oliver coming back each year is easy to answer.

"The people."

He appreciates the teamwork that exists behind the scenes, where everyone is willing to step in and help wherever they're needed. Working in Center Ring also gives him a perspective few fans ever experience—the opportunity to watch some of the industry's best horses perform from inside the ring.

When it comes to World Grand Champions, Merry Go Boy will always hold a special place in Oliver's heart. He also says he has long admired Jimmy McConnell's many World Grand Championship performances over the years.

Some of Oliver's favorite Celebration memories aren't tied to a particular class or championship.
Instead, they center around family.

Being able to purchase his personal box from the grandmother of longtime family friends made attending The Celebration even more meaningful, giving his family a special place to gather year after year and creating a tradition that continues today.

Away from The Celebration, Oliver enjoys spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He's also an avid Alabama football fan but says family will always come first.

His one non-negotiable for working Center Ring is a comfortable pair of shoes. After spending long days on his feet, they're every bit as important as anything else he brings to the grounds.

Like many longtime Celebration fans, he never misses an Optimist Club doughnut.

If you're attending The Celebration for the first time, Oliver recommends experiencing Military Appreciation Night along with the final three Championship Nights. Together, he believes they showcase the patriotism, tradition and excitement that have made The Celebration unlike any other event in the horse industry.

Charles Housch

When something unexpected happens in Center Ring, Charles Housch is usually one of the first people called.
As Head Ringmaster, he serves as the point person for The Celebration's team of ringmasters, answering questions, solving problems and communicating with Show Chairman Charles "Charlie Mac" McDonald. Now in his seventh season, Housch has become a trusted leader behind the scenes, helping ensure every performance runs as smoothly as possible.

His path to Center Ring began when another ringmaster retired, creating an unexpected opportunity. Someone encouraged Housch to apply, and he accepted the challenge. Today, while overseeing the ringmasters, he continues performing the same responsibilities as the rest of the team—protecting riders, horses and judges while helping every class move safely and efficiently.

Most fans never realize how many problems are solved before they ever become noticeable.

"Horses end up in the wrong class. Somebody might have the wrong back number. Things happen," Housch said. "Our job is to take care of it before the crowd ever knows there was a problem."

He says the constant communication between the judges and ringmasters is something spectators rarely notice, but it's essential to keeping the show moving.

No two nights in Center Ring are ever the same, and that's exactly what Housch enjoys most.

Every class brings something different. One moment he may be monitoring the safety of horses and riders, and the next he may be responding to a judge's request or helping resolve an unexpected issue. The variety keeps him engaged from the first class until the final victory pass each night.

When asked to name his favorite World Grand Champion, Housch didn't hesitate.

The Whole Nine Yards with Bill Bobo

A longtime admirer of Bobo, Housch still remembers watching Bill place his father C.A. Bobo's tie around his neck before making the victory pass.

"That still gives me chills," he said.

Among the many memories he's collected over the years, one rainy Saturday night still stands out.
Heavy rain forced the ringmasters to swap their tuxedo jackets for rain gear, only to be told moments later to put the soaked tuxedo coats back on.

"It was just one of those nights," Housch laughed.

For him, it's the perfect example of how unpredictable The Celebration can be—and how the staff simply adapts and keeps moving.

Away from Center Ring, Housch enjoys spending time on his 40-acre farm, where he hobby farms, hunts, rides side-by-sides and spends time with his family. His faith also remains an important part of his life.
When asked what he couldn't work The Celebration without, his answer came immediately.
"The other ringmasters."

Housch believes every member of the team plays an important role, and it takes all of them working together to keep The Celebration running successfully.

A country ham sandwich remains his favorite meal on the grounds.

For anyone attending The Celebration for the first time, Housch recommends arriving early enough to experience Opening Ceremonies.

From the prayer to the presentation of the American flag, he believes those traditions set the tone for the evening and remind everyone what makes The Celebration so special.

Margaret Eakin

Few people embody the spirit of Center Ring quite like Margaret Eakin.

For more than 30 years, she has been one of the steady hands working behind the scenes, making sure countless details come together before the spotlight ever shines on a winner. Whether she's organizing announcements, tracking classes or coordinating presentations, Eakin has built a reputation as someone who's always willing to do whatever needs to be done.

Her path to Center Ring began in the late 1990s after first working at the ticket gate. Over the years, her responsibilities have continued to grow, and today she plays an integral role in keeping each performance on track.

As announcer Mark Farrar's assistant, Eakin organizes announcements, makes sure they are delivered at the proper time, tracks classes as they enter and leave the ring, records timeouts and their causes, helps keep the show on schedule and coordinates with trophy presenters to ensure every presentation unfolds smoothly.
Long before the first class enters the ring, however, her work is already underway.

Each year, Eakin and her sister, Kathy, prepare one of The Celebration's most recognizable displays by filling the trophy case with the prestigious challenge trophies and organizing the awards that will be presented throughout the show. By Opening Night, everything is in place and ready for the first champion to be crowned.
Ask Eakin to describe her role, and she'll simply smile.

"I'm a jack of all trades."

Ironically, working in Center Ring was a dream long before it became a reality.

"As a little girl, I'd come to The Celebration to watch the horses, but I'd also find myself watching the people in Center Ring," she recalled. "I always thought it would be pretty cool to be out there."

Years later, she found herself exactly where she'd always hoped to be.

While her responsibilities have changed over the years, the reason she keeps coming back has remained the same.

"The people."

"The people I work with are a great team, and then there are the customers. Sometimes I only get to see them once a year, so it's always good to catch up."

One memory still gives her chills.

Watching Justified Honors capture his fourth World Grand Championship from inside Center Ring is something she'll never forget.

"Being out in Center Ring, especially for that last class, is an experience," she said. "Just thinking about it sends shivers up your spine."

When the work is finished, Eakin still makes time for a few Celebration traditions of her own. Every year, she enjoys an order of Band Boosters tater twirls and makes sure at least one Optimist doughnut finds its way into her schedule.

Her advice for first-time visitors is as straightforward as it gets.

"Don't miss the last Saturday night."

"That's why you come."

To Eakin, The Celebration has always been about much more than what happens inside the show ring.
"It's the cornerstone of this community," she said. "You want to make sure it's as great as it can be."

Anyone who has worked alongside Margaret knows she is one of the first people to step in when help is needed. Whether she's organizing announcements, answering questions or quietly making sure every detail is exactly where it belongs, she's spent more than three decades helping make The Celebration look effortless.

Mark Farrar

For thousands of fans, The Celebration begins with a familiar voice.

As the nighttime announcer, Mark Farrar has spent more than a decade narrating some of the most unforgettable moments in Celebration history. From first-time blue-ribbon winners to World Grand Championship celebrations, his voice has become part of the soundtrack that generations of exhibitors and spectators have come to know.
His connection to The Celebration, however, began long before he stepped behind the microphone.

Over the years, Farrar has worked in the entry office, barn office and maintenance department. He's helped clean the stadium after the show, served as a ring escort and worked as a presentation coordinator. In 2007, then-CEO Ron Thomas hired him as the morning announcer before he took over the nighttime duties in 2014.
By then, Farrar was already a seasoned announcer.

His career began through 4-H while he was still in high school, and as word spread, opportunities quickly followed. By the time he arrived at The Celebration, he had spent nearly 20 years announcing many of the industry's premier events, including the Trainers' Show, International and Money Tree Classic.

For all of the planning that goes into The Celebration, Farrar says the moments people remember most usually aren't the ones anyone could have predicted.

"The Celebration is the best-run horse show I'm a part of," he said. "Everything runs like clockwork, but the special moments are the ones you never see coming. You don't know when a record is going to be broken or when history is about to happen. Those moments happen on the fly, and everybody works together to make them happen."

He credits Margaret Eakin, Sara Watts and Maggi Painter for helping gather information and research during spotlight rides and other special presentations, allowing those unforgettable moments to come together seamlessly.

Ask Farrar what he enjoys most about working Center Ring, and his answer is immediate.
"You've got a front-row seat to the best horses in the world," he said. "I love the people I work with—they're like family. And there's nothing better than when everything comes together, the horses are great and the crowd gets involved."

Instead of naming a single favorite World Grand Champion, Farrar points to the moments that make The Celebration special.

Being behind the microphone for John Allan Callaway's historic fourth World Grand Championship is one memory he'll always treasure. He's equally inspired watching exhibitors accomplish lifelong goals, whether it's Jackie Whatley winning her first Celebration blue ribbon after showing since the 1970s or Bob Adcock and Robert Deutsch earning their first set of roses. Seeing friends—or the children of friends—experience those milestones never gets old.

His own Celebration memories stretch back much farther than his announcing career.

As a second grader, Farrar can still remember standing on a box seat cheering for Sammy Day aboard Ebony's Mountain Man. Today, one of his favorite traditions is the annual patriotic tribute, a presentation he believes perfectly reflects the spirit of The Celebration.

Away from the announcer's stand, Farrar enjoys life on his family's beef cattle farm, spending time outdoors with family, nieces and nephews and traveling. Through his work with TWHBEA, he has also traveled internationally, sharing his passion for the Tennessee Walking Horse with enthusiasts around the world.

Even during he Celebration, Farrar's work extends beyond Shelbyville. While serving as the nighttime announcer each evening, he also announces the World's Championship Horse Show in Louisville, Kentucky, balancing responsibilities at two of the horse industry's most prestigious events during the same week. It's a testament to the respect he has earned behind the microphone and the trust placed in him on two of the sport's biggest stages.

Protecting his voice is part of the job.

Each night, Farrar keeps a Yeti filled with Throat Coat tea close by, along with a bag of plain Lay's potato chips. The latter was recommended years ago by a fellow musician and has become part of his daily routine ever since.
When dinner rolls around, nothing beats a Community Lions Club country ham sandwich with a slice of tomato.
His advice for first-time visitors is simple.

"Be here on the last Saturday night," he said. "You're watching history. People will be talking about that World Grand Championship decades from now."

Whether he's introducing a spotlight ride, recognizing a first-time blue-ribbon winner or announcing the crowning of a World Grand Champion, Farrar understands that every class has the potential to become part of Celebration history. His voice has become woven into the memories of countless exhibitors and fans, making him not only the voice of Center Ring, but one of the storytellers helping preserve the traditions that make The Celebration unlike any other event in the horse industry.

When the final class leaves the ring, and the lights begin to dim, most fans head home talking about the champions they watched, the horses they admired and the memories they made. Behind the scenes, however, the work isn't quite finished. Trophies are gathered, ribbons are packed away and preparations quietly begin for another day.

The Center Ring staff may not always be the ones in the spotlight, but they're the reason so many unforgettable moments happen without a hitch. Their dedication, teamwork and pride are woven into every presentation, every championship ride and every Celebration tradition. The next time you find yourself cheering from the grandstands, grabbing a country ham sandwich or an Optimist doughnut, or watching a champion make that unforgettable victory pass, you'll know there's an entire team behind the scenes making those moments possible.