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Canadian Nationals
Meet the Volunteers
August 20, 2009
Cecil Harvey
"Hitching Ring" Announcer Cecil Harvey has been an integral part of Canadian Nationals in Regina from the start. As with any new location or new event, that first year was hectic, he said. "First show was different because we had to get used to what the exhibitors wanted," he recalls. "There was a learning curve the first few years until we figured out what everyone wanted or needed."
During those first three years, Harvey was the show manager. Ever since that time, though, his role has been as the hitching ring/paddock announcer, with the phone glued to his ear often throughout the course of the show.
An Arabian horse enthusiast since the 1980s who showed that decade in halter classes, Harvey also has a familiar voice and face at multiple events across the continent. Seven years ago, he became a paddock announcer for the Scottsdale Show. He also has worked at U.S. Nationals for four years and the past three years at the Las Vegas Breeders Cup.
"I just love being involved and all the people I meet in what I do," Harvey says. Each event, he said he sees recognizable faces and that each time is a "horse-show" family reunion.
At his home in Craven, Saskatchewan, Canada, about 40 minutes north of Regina, Harvey is an installer with a glass company. When he has a little spare time, he can be found out pleasure riding one of his two Arabians and camping with his family.
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