Cannon County hosts one of nation’s best carriage events

The Cannon Carriage Classic at Valhalla Farms, located in the Burt community of Cannon County, is one of the premier carriage driving events in the nation.

The 12th annual event will take place Aug. 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Aug. 29 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The horse and carriage show is sponsored by Elizabeth Keathley’s Cannon Carriage Driving Center with Jim, Jean and Elizabeth Keathley as hosts.

Horses and ponies will be shown pulling new and vintage carriages of all types. Classes consist of ring events as well as timed obstacles where the drivers attempt to negotiate a set of cones in the fastest time.

At noon Saturday, an exhibition of mule teams will be given by the Middle Tennessee Muleskinners. Between 15 and 20 mule teams participate each year and it is always a crowd favorite. Following the mule exhibition, Elizabeth Keathley will drive a dressage demonstration.

Invited crafts people will also set up displays on the show grounds. Included this year will be Joe Brown, metal; Arlene Knaak, Dee Vanek and Vera Bodecker, pottery; Mike Novak, glass blowing; Mary Nygard, hats and driving accessories; Mary Verandeaux, equine and canine artist; and others.

The show, through patron contributions, is a fund-raiser for a foundation that contributes to The Arts Center and various charities, schools and activities in Cannon County.

The two-day event is open to the public at no charge. Free parking and free shuttle bus service is also provided.