Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration Announces $2.7 Million State Investment for RV Park Improvements
Thursday, May 7, 2026
SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration is proud to announce that the Tennessee General Assembly has included a $2.7 million appropriation in the state’s 2026–2027 budget to support the renovation and expansion of its three RV parks.
This significant investment will allow The Celebration to modernize aging infrastructure, enhance visitor amenities, and better position the facility to host a broader range of events throughout the year.
“We are incredibly grateful to Senator Shane Reeves and Speaker Pro Tem Pat Marsh for their leadership and support in securing this funding,” said Warren Wells, CEO of The Celebration. “We also extend our sincere thanks to the members of the Tennessee General Assembly, legislative leadership, and the finance committees and their chairs for recognizing the importance of this project to our community and to the future of The Celebration.”
The RV parks play a critical role in The Celebration’s ability to recruit and host new events in Shelbyville. Updated facilities will improve the overall guest experience at our World Championship show, attract larger and more diverse audiences, and strengthen Shelbyville’s reputation as a premier destination for equine events and tourism.
“For many of our visitors, the RV parks are their home during events,” Wells added. “Upgrading this infrastructure is essential not only for maintaining our current events, but also for expanding opportunities that bring new visitors and economic impact to our region.”
Speaker Pro Tem Pat Marsh added, “The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration is an important economic driver for Shelbyville and Bedford County. Investing in infrastructure like these RV parks helps ensure the facility can continue to grow, attract new events, and support local businesses for years to come.”
Senator Shane Reeves said, “This funding represents a commitment to preserving and enhancing one of Tennessee’s most iconic venues. By improving these facilities, we are strengthening tourism, supporting the local economy, and investing in the long-term success of The Celebration.”
The Celebration plans to release additional details in the coming months, including a project timeline and renderings of the planned improvements.
More Stories |
-
Read More
-
Read More
-
The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) announces that voting is now open for the 2027 International Board of Directors election and a proposed amendment to the association’s bylaws.Ballots were emailed to current voting members on September 15, 2026. Because electronic ballots are distributed through a third-party provider, some emails may be filtered into junk or spam folders.
Read More
-
On Jan 30, 1944, in Paducah, Kentucky, AT and Kathryn Weaver welcomed their first son, Joe Thurman Weaver, into the world. He grew up in Hampton, Kentucky, and attended Hampton Methodist Church with his family. After graduating from Livingston Central High School in Burna, Kentucky, Joe enlisted in the Army.
Read More
-
Luanne J. Sigman, age 80, of Canal Winchester, Ohio, passed away at her home on Monday, September 15, 2026, with her family by her side. She was born in Columbus, Ohio, on June 11, 1946, to the late Louis and Anne (Stockwell) Jones.
Read More
-
Geoffrey Thomas “Geoff” Palmer, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away on September 8, 2026, following a sudden illness that progressed rapidly over the course of just two and a half weeks. He was 64 years old.
Read More
-
The latest ThorSport Versatility Cup standings have been announced as of September 1, 2026, following competition at the International Grand Championship and TWHBEA World Show.
Read More
-
SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – The traditional Stick Horse class commenced at 6:40 on Saturday evening, sponsored by Sugar Creek Farms and Creekview Farms. Steve Buttleman played the Kentucky Derby theme to welcome everyone. Everyone got a blue ribbon and a Purity ice cream coupon for participating. Kingland Kids and Steve Buttleman also made sure everyone had a glow-in-the-dark necklace as well.
Read More
-
SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – Friday night has long been Patriotic Night at The Celebration, where everyone dons their red, white and blue. It is a celebration of freedom and those who fought hard to maintain that freedom. This year was especially poignant as the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence was commemorated earlier this year.
Read More
-
Read More
|