Written By
Cayce Lee
Social Media Specialist
Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association
Sam Gibbons Memorial Walking Horse Returns to Athens
The Southern traditions of Tennessee Walking Horses and Racking Horses will parade the Limestone County Sheriff's Arena on Saturday, July 18th at 5:00PM during the 4th Annual Sam Gibbons Memorial Tennessee Walking Horse Show. This annual fundraiser put on by the Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives is free for the family to enjoy and donations of any size are welcome. The proceeds from this event go the museum in efforts to continuing their efforts of preservation and their goal of expansion to accommodate the many items awaiting display.
The familiar high-stepping gates horses will take to the arena in their proud and stately manner for onlookers to enjoy. Tennessee Walking Horses known for their elegant gait of a four beat running-walk and Racking Horses known for their unusual single hoof down with three hoof up gait.
Refreshing and tasty concessions will be available during the horse show with the help of the Athens Optimist Club. Items on the menu include many of the favorites served at the Fiddlers' Convention -- hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, ribbon potatoes, bottled water, funnel cakes, soft drinks, iced tea and shaved ice.
How to get there....
If you are coming from Interstate 65- Use Athens' Exit 354. You will drive south on U.S. Highway 31 to the first light at Elm Street and turn right (west). Travel west to the second light at Market Street/Alabama-99 and turn right (northwest). The arena will be on the right.
If you are from the south on U.S. Highway 31 - Turn left (west) on Elm Street. Travel west to the second light at Market Street/Alabama-99 and turn right (northwest). The arena will be on the right.
If you are coming by U.S. Highway 72- Turn right (north) at Lucas Ferry Road. You will travel to the first traffic light at Market Street/Alabama-99 and turn left (northwest). You will go through the traffic light at Market Street/Alabama-99 and Elm Street. The arena will be on the right.
If you are coming from Minor Hill, TN or Lester, AL - Travel south on Alabama-99 toward Athens, arena will be on left before Elm Street.
If you are coming from Pulaski, TN or Elkmont, AL - Travel south on Tennessee-7/Alabama-127/North Jefferson Street. Turn right (west) at the intersection of North Jefferson Street and Elm Street. Travel to the first traffic light at Elm Street and Market Street/Alabama-99 and turn right (northwest). The arena will be on the right.
There will be 70% payback in all classes and 100% in Lead Line Barrel. A buckle will be rewarded to each Open D Champion. There is a gauranteed $3000.00 in added money.
