Gold lame. That's what I was told to wear, gold lame.
Every woman wears gold lame to The Celebration. It's all the rage!
I thought they were pulling a fast one, you know like when Bridget Jones wore a bunny costume to the Tarts and Vicars party that turned out to be just a Sunday garden brunch at her mother's house? Luckily, however, I already owned a metalic gold cowboy hat with a large gold lame bow that I had purchased in Tahoe, knowing somehow it would come in handy. I could build an outfit around that. And I'm glad I did.
Shelbyville, Tennessee, at the end of "summah" is the place to see and be seen. And yes, there was gold lame everywhere. And horses, sleek, beautiful, talented horses draped in ribbons and roses with Elvis singing the Trilogy in the background... you know, the song that starts out Look away Dixieland moves to Hush little baby don't you cry and ends with Glory, Glory, Hallelujah.
Beautiful girls were sashaying about holding large silver bowls to award the winners. Our nation's flag, state's flag, and yes, at one time even the Confederate battle flag perched high in the background. For two weeks each year, local Shelbyville residents leave town, renting their homes to families traveling in from around the world to attend the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration which takes place during the 11 days and nights prior to Labor Day.
The Celebration is the premier event for the Tennessee Walking Horse, during which the breed's World Grand Champion and some 20 World Champions are named. It is a festival event, encompassing exciting classes in competition where more than $650,000 in prizes and awards are given.
Other activities include a barn decorating contest, a trade fair and a dog show. This year marks the 71st Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration scheduled August 26 - September 5, 2009.
The Celebration is the term generally used to identify both the event and the organization that manages and presents it. The idea for a Walking Horse "festival" (later identified as the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration) is generally credited to the late Henry Davis of Wartrace, TN. Henry Davis went to nearby Winchester one spring day in 1939 and observed the Crimson Clover Festival. He became very enthusiastic about what he saw and returned to Shelbyville with the idea that his home county should have a festival to celebrate their most important asset - the Tennessee Walking Horse.
The idea was cultivated into the first Celebration on September 7, 8, and 9, 1939. It has been held every year, without interruption, since. I don't know if gold lame is all the rage anymore or even where to find it, if it is, but for more information regarding directions, tickets, winners, owners, and schedules, visit www.twhnc.com.