©2009 NPT PHOTO SUBMITTED

Here's a 2008 Chestnut Hill Charity Horse Show blue ribbon winner. From left are Paul Livingston, Karie Duncan
and Bobby Holt. The 2009 Show is set for this Friday and Saturday, June 26 and 27, at 7:00 each evening.

NEWPORT-They'll come from across the Southeast, and even from some of our northern neighbors. They look forward to it every year, and for good reason. It's like being with family. And, they've been doing it for 34 years, which makes it the longest running two-night show in the state of Tennessee.

The 34th Annual Chestnut Hill Charity Horse Show is set to kick off tomorrow, and, as with the previous 33 shows, expect a big crowd.

The show is put on annually by the Chestnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department as the major fundraiser for the Chestnut Hill firefighters. But it's not just the firefighters that make it happen, it's the entire community, really, rallying around this one two-night event every year. And trust us folks, they really roll out the red carpet.

Each night, both Friday and Saturday, June 26 and 27, the show is filled with Walking, Racking and Pleasure horses. And, there's even a Stick Horse class each night for the little ones. There are a total of 46 classes, so there is something for everyone to enjoy.

There are many who come to the show for the food as well, especially the fried pies. Each year, community volunteers get together for a full day of making these famous pies, apple, and rhubarb, all of them distinctly delicious. There's more then just the fried pies, however, as folks are treated each year to some of the best down-home cooking anywhere, including beans and cornbread, barbeque sandwiches and jumbo hot dogs, you name it.

What makes it an even better attraction is that it is inexpensive, and fun for the entire family. Admission is a mere $5 for adults while children 12-and-under are admitted free.

The show grounds are located across from Bush Brothers and Company at the intersection of Highways 411 and 92. Parking is free, and available behind the Rural Medical Clinic and off McGaha Hollow Road. The show will begin at 7:00 each evening.

Alton Cureton will serve as announcer again this year with Josh Baxter the Farrier. Veterinarians will be Dr. John Chambers and Dr. Russell Reel of Blue Ridge Veterinary Services.

On Friday, June 26, the show will begin with Lead Line, followed by URHOEA Country Pleasure, Open Walking Park Performance, URHOEA Style, Walking Juvenile 11 and under Specialty, Light Shod Plantation Specialty, Walking Juvenile 12-17 Specialty, UROEA Amateur, Walking 3 Year Old Amateur Specialty, URHOEA Junior Amateur Owned and Trained and Walking Pro/Am Specialty. During the break, the always-fun Stick Horse class will take to the arena. The second half of Friday night's show will start with Walking Pony Adult Specialty, followed by Walking Plantation Specialty, URHOEA 3 and 4 Year Old Amateur, Walking Groomer and Farrier, URHOEA Trail Pleasure 17 and under, Walking Trail Pleasure, URHOEA Country Saddle, Walking 4 Year Old Amateur Specialty, URHOEA Juvenile Trail Pleasure 11 and under, Walking Show Pleasure Amateur Specialty, URHOEA Trail Pleasure Women and ETWHA Members only.

Saturday night's show will begin with Walking Halter Weanling and Yearling, followed by Walking 15.2 and under Specialty, URHOEA 2 Year Old, Walking 2 Year Old, URHOEA Juvenile Country Pleasure, Walking 3 Year Old, URHOEA 3 and 4 Year Old, Walking 4 Year Old Specialty, URHOEA Ladies, ETWHA Ladies Aux. Specialty and URHOEA Amateur Owned and Trained. The break is next with the Stick Horse class. The final part of the show will start with URHOEA Juvenile, followed by Walking Show Pleasure Specialty, URHOEA Trail Pleasure Men, Walking Amateur Specialty, URHOEA 15.2 and under, Walking 15.2 and under Amateur Specialty, URHOEA Speed Racking, Open Walking Specialty, URHOEA Flat Shod, URHOEA Trail Pleasure Championship, Walking Championship, and the show's premier event, the URHOEA Championship.