SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. — After decades of loyal service and fundraising efforts, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5019 in Shelbyville has announced it will no longer operate its food booth during the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, beginning in 2025.

In a statement released by the VFW, the organization cited declining operational capacity as the reason behind the difficult decision.

“This decision was not made lightly,” Post 5019 Commander Tommie Boleyn wrote. “Our members just do not possess the capability to continue. Post 5019 values the decades-long tradition and the amazing relationship that we have built with TWHNC leadership, as well as the owners, breeders, trainers, exhibitors and Walking Horse fans. You are fantastic supporters of the VFW and the Celebration, and we applaud all of you.”

The VFW’s food booth has long been a staple of the Celebration, the world’s premier event for the Tennessee Walking Horse. Since its inception, the Celebration has embraced community and civic involvement. In fact, the first ever Celebration in 1939 was made possible through sponsorship by two of Shelbyville’s civic clubs and later grew to have the amazing impact on the community that it has today. 

“We are profoundly grateful to the VFW Post 5019 for their years of unwavering support,” said Celebration CEO Warren Wells. “Their commitment to our event and our community has been extraordinary, and we deeply respect their decision. They will always have a place in the heart of the Celebration and our history.”

To continue the tradition of community partnership, the Celebration also announced that Grindstone Cowboy will take over the space previously occupied by the VFW booth as Grindstone Cowboy Express.

Grindstone Cowboy, a locally owned cafe, coffee shop and music venue, has been a valued partner of the Celebration for the past two years. The business is currently expanding with a new restaurant set to open on the square in downtown Shelbyville.

“We’re excited to welcome Grindstone Cowboy into this new role,” Wells said. “They’ve shown great energy and community spirit in everything they do, and we’re proud to continue growing this partnership as they expand their footprint in Shelbyville.”

We look forward to following in the footsteps of the VFW, a valued and respected organization in Shelbyville and Bedford.  The new venture promises to honor the legacy and tradition of the VFW while creating new traditions and bringing exciting opportunities to the community.

While the 87th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration will look a little different with this changing of the guard, CEO Warren Wells says the mission remains unchanged: honoring tradition while building a future with strong community ties.

The 87th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration will take place Aug. 20–30, 2025, in Shelbyville, Tennessee.