2023 National wrap up Knoxville Tennessee

[Russ Blair]

I apologize for the delay in posting these results. It was a great weekend spent with a great group of people and one I will remember for years to come. There was a tremendous turn out of members, some had birds entered and some came just for a visit and fellowshipping. Unfortunately I didn't get very many photos and hopefully other members will post some? I will say the Tennessee Valley Poultry Association were really generous with the amount of space, tables, cages and hospitality they showed towards our Alliance.

 I would like to start with the a huge Thank You to all the members that made a donation, bid or helped with the silent auction. The generous donations of Michael Muenks, Max Strawn, Stacy Melton, Stan Alder, John Blehm, Jim Laatch, myself and an anonymous donor (APA SOP with commemorative box) made for a very impressive silent auction. In total there were 4 dozen hatching eggs, 8 pairs, 1 trio, and a quad of bantams along with 3 trios of large fowl in the silent auction which raised $1,007. The 3 hole bantam carrier and SOP raised $156 through the sales of raffle tickets which brings the total up to a whopping $1,163.00 raised for our Alliance through the generosity of the members who donated, those that put in bids. and everyone who helped Stan Alder set it up and run it. We also had 3 new members sign up and pay for 3 year memberships and Rebecca sold some patches and handbooks as well. It truly was an epic fundraiser and time of fellowshipping with plenty of room for members to sit and visit. We had 5 entries in the egg contest with Stacy Melton winning both the best and reserve large fowl with a pullet and hen entry in respectful order. Michael Muenks won best with Robert Rennolet taking the reserve in the bantam egg class. I will post the results below and the pictures I have, I truly believe a good time was had by all. 

Here’s some egg pictures Janie Vila took while judging them, and a picture I took of Robert Rennolet manning our club table and Janie starting to judge the egg contest. Robert Rennolet helped drive up all the bids in the silent auction and manned the club table most the day. Thank you both for all the help in making this national a huge success. Oh and you can catch a glimpse of all the delicious treats Laurie Ashley and Ben Eddie made and brought for everyone to snack on in that picture as well.

Sorry for the confusion but there was a payment of $100 through PayPal for a silent auction pen that I was unaware of. I found the discrepancy this morning in my attempt to get the financial report made so I can get a check to our secretary Jeff. I have corrected the amount I previously announced above to the correct amount of $1,163 of total income (through pay pal, cash and check) that came in from our silent auction and the raffle. Thanks again everyone for making it such a success.

[Russ Blair]

Champion Ameraucana Overall: Black Bantam K-non member
Res Champion Ameraucana Overall: Splash Large Fowl H-Russ Blair
Champion Display: Blue Bantam-Russ Blair
Res Champion Display: Black Bantam-Michael Muenks
Ch Bantam Trio: White Young Trio- Jerry DeSmidt
Res Ch Bantam Trio: Black Young Trio- Michael Muenks
Ch Large Fowl Trio: Black Young Trio-Jerry DeSmidt

Bantam Judge:Rick Hare                                                                                   
138 birds 13 exhibitors
                                                                                                   
Black:             BB BV K nonmember 30 birds 7 exhibitors
                           RV P nonmember
Blue:                   BV H Russ Blair 19 birds 3 exhibitors
                           RV P Max Strawn
Blue Wheaten: RB BV H Rebecca Howie 21 birds 6 exhibitors
                           RV P Russ Blair
Brown Red:          BV K Russ Blair 3 birds 1 exhibitor
                           RV P Russ Blair
Buff:                    BV P Jerry DeSmidt 9 birds 3 exhibitors
                           RV K Russ Blair
Self Blue:             BV H Sheri Charles 7 birds 2 exhibitors
                           RV K Sheri Charles
Silver:                  BV K Russ Blair 4 birds 2 exhibitors
                           RV P Russ Blair
Splash:                BV P Robert Rennolet 4 birds 3 exhibitors
                           RV K Russ Blair
Wheaten:             BV P Rebecca Howie 26 birds 5 exhibitors
                           RV P Rebeccah Howie
White:                  BV K Laurie Ashley 13 birds 5 exhibitors
                           RV H Jerry DeSmidt
Ermine: Best AOV BV P Becky Pelton
                           RV P Rebeccah Howie
 
Large Fowl Judge: Brian Knox
69 birds 14 exhibitors

Black:                      BV P Jerry DeSmidt 16 birds 6 exhibitors
                               RV H Jerry DeSmidt
Blue:                   RB BV P Max Strawn 22 birds 4 exhibitors
                               RV P Max Strawn
Brown Red:               BV C Stacy Melton $ birds e2 exhibitors
                                RV Stacy Melton
Self Blue:                  BV H Stacy Melton 3 birds 1 exhibitor
                                RV H Stacy Melton
Silver:                       BV P Michael Muenks 2 birds 1 exhibitor
                                RV P Michael Muenks
Splash: Res AOSB BB BV H Russ Blair 7 birds 4 exhibitors
                                RV H Bruno Menarim
White:                       BV K Jerry DeSmidt 5 birds 2 exhibitors
                                 RV K Jerry DeSmidt
Ermine:       Best AOV BV H Leigh Edwards
                    Res AOV RV K Brian Bailey

[Russ Blair]

Members who attended the dinner and annual Meeting, Bruno had to put his daughter to bed so he is not in this picture unfortunately.

Bottom Row left to right: Robert Rennolet, Gavin Bailey, Jeff Vance, Dave Blair, Rebecca Howie

Middle Row left to right: Janie Vila, Jerry DeSmidt, Becky Pelton, Stan Alder, and Laurie Ashley far right middle

Back Row left to Right: Don Cash, Michael Muenks, Myself, Brian Bailey, Max Strawn, Stacy Melton, Ben Eddie, and Johnny Parks

[Russ Blair]

Here is myself, Barb Cambell and her husband Richard. They were down for a classic car thing so unfortunately they couldn’t be at the annual meeting and dinner. It was still an honor to finally meet and get to chat with Barb, it’s good to put a face to a name I have heard of since I started raising Ameraucana and became a member.

[Russ Blair]

Here’s myself, Uncle Dave and my Wife Nicole with the Splash Large Fowl Hen.
Also a picture that Bruno sent me of her as well, thanks again Bruno.

[Russ Blair]

I will post Junior results tomorrow in this spot, I need to get to bed 

[Mike Gilbert]

Thanks for posting Russ!   Does anyone know who are the people at Black Coffee Farm?  Did anyone meet or talk with them?   

[Laurie Ashley]

I've spoken with the Black Coffee Farm, they only want to exhibit their birds under the farm name, not individuals, so that's why they haven't joined.   Nice folks, and fantastic birds! 

[Russ Blair]

Thanks for the update Laurie, I guess we will just put their winnings back in our coffers 

[Russ Blair]

Here is the full page ad John graciously formatted for us to publish in the February issue of the Poultry Press. As usual he has done a fantastic job, which reminds me if any other members have the know how in how to design adds like this please let me know. We could use some more volunteers to help in this area, especially with John looking to enjoy some retirement