08/15/2025
87th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration Recognized as Official America 250 Event
Shelbyville, Tenn. — August 12, 2025 — The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration is proud to announce that the 87th Annual Celebration, taking place August 20–30, 2025, in Shelbyville, Tennessee, has been officially designated as an America 250 event — joining a nationwide initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.
This recognition celebrates The Celebration’s longstanding contributions to patriotism, agriculture, rural America, tourism, history, and Southern culture.
For nearly nine decades, The Celebration has stood as a pillar of Tennessee heritage — bringing together horse enthusiasts, families, and communities to honor the legacy of the Tennessee Walking Horse, one of America’s most iconic breeds. As the nation approaches its semiquincentennial in 2026, The Celebration proudly reflects the American values of tradition, resilience, and unity.
One of the most deeply moving traditions of The Celebration is the annual Military & First Responders Night, held on the second Friday of the show. On this special evening, the entire arena is draped in red, white, and blue as we come together to honor our nation’s heroes — active-duty military, veterans, police, firefighters, EMTs, and all those who serve our communities and our country. The tribute includes patriotic music, special recognitions, and moments of reflection that underscore the heart of The Celebration’s values.
"The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration has always been more than a horse show — it’s a reflection of rural America, a testament to our agricultural roots, and a showcase of patriotic values that run deep in our communities,” said Warren Wells, CEO of The Celebration. “Being named an official America 250 event is a tremendous honor and reaffirms our commitment to preserving and sharing the unique cultural fabric of Tennessee and the nation."
Each year, The Celebration draws tens of thousands of attendees from across the country, making it one of the most significant tourism events in the Southeast. With eleven days of competitions, exhibitions, entertainment, and pageantry, the 2025 event will spotlight not only the excellence of the Tennessee Walking Horse, but also the broader stories of American perseverance, service, and tradition.
The America250 designation places The Celebration alongside other historic and cultural events helping to tell America’s story as we prepare to mark 250 years of independence in 2026.
For more information on the 87th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, visit www.twhnc.com
To learn more about America 250, visit www.america250.org
