Ameraucana Forum
The Official Ameraucana Forum => Exhibiting, Promoting & Club Notes => Topic started by: John W Blehm on October 06, 2016, 04:41:33 PM
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I know we haven't had our 2016 National Meet yet, but it is time to think about a show to place our 2017 meet with. Please contact show clubs that you would like to be considered to host it and ask them to submit a bid to Michael before the 1st of November. We place our annual Ameraucana National Meet about a year in advance so members have plenty of time to plan for hatching, vacations, etc. ;)
Article 10 – National Meet
Any member may solicit bids (offers) from poultry show clubs wishing to host an Ameraucana National Meet and submit them to the President. Bids must be received by November first to be considered for the club’s National Meet to be held the following fall. The President shall share the list of bids with the Board members for discussion. The President will then ask for the Board to vote on the show club bids before November 15th. The Secretary will place the meet and promote it in the Winter Newsletter. If the show is cancelled for whatever reason, the President will direct the Board to vote to place the National Meet at another show as soon as possible. Club sponsored awards offered at the annual Ameraucana National Meet will be determined by the Board of Directors.
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John:
I suggest the annual Fowl Fest in Birch Run, although I would understand if we were to get push back from members who do not reside in the Midwest. I like the community, and the proximity to lots of shopping for spouses who aren't so passionate about a day surrounded by poultry.
Duane
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Bob Walchak has been inactive for a few years, but he said if we have a national meet at Portage he will raise some chicks and show with us again. I think that would be a good thing. FYI, that is the Wisconsin International show held at the Columbia County Wisconsin fairgrounds on the last weekend of September. It is a two day show.
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John:
I suggest the annual Fowl Fest in Birch Run, although I would understand if we were to get push back from members who do not reside in the Midwest. I like the community, and the proximity to lots of shopping for spouses who aren't so passionate about a day surrounded by poultry.
Duane
I asked and their offer remains the same as last year. Here are the highlights...
We will provide up to two 8’ tables and 2 chairs.
We will provide an area for your club meeting.
Your club will have first choice of the judges we hire and your breed(s) will be judged first, provided your breed club is the first to place a national meet with us - first come, first serve.
Your breed(s) will be given a prominent location in the showroom. Your breed will be on top if double stacking is necessary and if applicable your bantam and large fowl breeds will be placed as near to each other as possible.
Your National Meet will be promoted on our website.
Your breed club will receive a rebate of $1 per bird entered of your breed(s).
Your breed club will receive a $100 bonus if 200 or more birds of your breed(s) are entered.
Here are a couple photos of this year's Fowl Fest. Ailes were about 6 feet wide and no show coops were double stacked.
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The Malcolms vote for Fowl Fest as well. Gramma is only an hour away and our Michigan family can come see the guys and their birds. If we know before Christmas we can plan time off for the long drive.
About how many birds compete at Fowl Fest?
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The Malcolms vote for Fowl Fest as well. Gramma is only an hour away and our Michigan family can come see the guys and their birds. If we know before Christmas we can plan time off for the long drive.
About how many birds compete at Fowl Fest?
The board will vote on a location by November 15th.
We had 1,157 birds entered this year.
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Let's talk about this at our meeting in Lebanon - should have great opportunity for discussion. 😊
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I am good with Fowl Fest. Distance will be an issue for me no matter where we have it, but if I am able to make it, that's a show well worth the trip!
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Just talked to Neil Townsend a few weeks ago. He mentioned Columbus aka Ohio Nationals, I know Zoe people do not like that show. So please don't shoot the messenger lol. No matter where we have it I will attend, except Canada, that's a different story. I for one do think we need to start thinking of moving it around a little so a select few are not burdened with a long journey every year.
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Just talked to Neil Townsend a few weeks ago. He mentioned Columbus aka Ohio Nationals, I know Zoe people do not like that show. So please don't shoot the messenger lol. No matter where we have it I will attend, except Canada, that's a different story. I for one do think we need to start thinking of moving it around a little so a select few are not burdened with a long journey every year.
Right on Russ. The Rennolets are driving all the way from South Dakota and the Malcolms even farther, from Colorado. Max is driving up from Texas. I would think we could at least think about Iowa or Minnesota or even Wisconsin or Missouri.
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I think we should have it in South Carolina!! 😁
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I understand Stan. Even though there are only 3 members in SC there are many just north and south of you. Not all members are exhibitors though and even those that are generally limit how far they will travel to a show. I would probably go to a National Meet in SC, just because my wife likes the warmer weather and it would be a real plus for her if it were near a beach. ;)
FYI, here are the states with the most members...
MI = 12
OH = 11
TX = 11
CA = 10
PA = 10
NC = 9
FL = 9
WI = 9
Also some states like TX & PA are very restrictive when it comes to poultry shows. Some don't allow birds from out of state and some require more testing than others, so that also needs to be considered.
The Midwest has always been the region with the most Ameraucana breeders and exhibitors, probably because the breed and all varieties were developed here. I think the Fowl Fest in Michigan would draw many exhibitors and entries, because OH, IN, IL, PA and WI are close. Lucasville, Ohio would be another good one I think and it may attack more from the south and east.
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I would vote for Lucasvill but that is just because I live only 2 hours from it. Though I wouldn't have any issue going to SC for a warm weekend.
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Continue with input here and we'll talk about it a bit at our meeting Saturday to get input from members there also, but if anyone is serious about having a show club host the next Ameraucana National Meet they should contact the show club and get a proposal to Michael by the 1st. The board will then discuss the options and vote on a location by the 15th. :)
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I think we should have it in South Carolina!! 😁
I could make it to South Carolina!!
;D
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I was kidding about SC, but you would be more than welcome by most of us...I do think that if we are going to have a different location that it would be fair to move from east to west each year, not necessarily to the far east or west, but somewhere that would not be too much of a reach for the mid America folks... Ohio, Kentucky or Tennessee in the east and Utah Colorado area in the west??? not sure where there are shows that would accommodate us ... just thinking that maybe that would be reachable for the mid west folks every year and some that would like to attend but not fly or travel too far would still be in the mix for every other year??
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Lucasville would be the closest for me, but we have family near both Sedalia and Shawnee and it would be nice to do a combined trip.
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FYI, here are the states with the most members...
MI = 12 OH = 11 WI = 9 = 32
For me Lucasville is the winner. I had plans for Indy right up to the Thursday before, but in the end, the trip is too big when offerings around home as just as good. It didn't pay for me to make such a trip; so I cancelled my hotel at the very last minute.
TX = 11 CA = 10 = 21
Pass.
PA = 10 NC = 9 FL = 9 = 28
Bloomsburg near Harrisburg is small and accommodating. Lebanon a week earlier is double the size. A lot of Ameraucana lovers at Bloomsburg yesterday. Sales were brisk and people very interested. Frankly I am VERY disappointed the National was not with the APA national this year. That decision was just plain dumb.
I think as we said last year, it should revolve and the big clubbies stop picking their own home grounds where they are home in 5 hours and the rest of drive all night. If you can't make it every year, well that's fair enough, let other people win -- or doesn't anyone want that?
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I think we should have it in South Carolina!! 😁
I'll vote for that.
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The board will vote on a location by November 15th.
I don't understand the rush....at all. The board voting will be gone by December. Why can't the current board vote for the current location. I move that we push the voting for National Location until February.
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The reason to get a location for next years Nationals are so everyone has time to plan for it. Not only work schedules but also Hatching schedules. If we wait until Febuary that wouldn't give enough time to hatch out any Large Fowl??? Does that make sense??? Also the way I understand it is anyone can petition a club to see what incentives they will offer our club for placing our National there. All offers need to be sent to Michael by Nov 1.
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Since the goal is to have as many members in attendance as possible, we should look at attendance at shows the preceding year, as that's a good predictor of how many members a given show may draw. Besides our national, which 2016 meets had the most members showing? Those shows should at least make the short list for the 2017 national. I don't know off the top of my head which ones those are, I'll have to go back through the meet reports to check (unless one of you organized folks get to it first ;) ). And if anyone has information on a show that wasn't called as a meet but ended up with a good many members there, let us know those numbers as well.
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The reason to get a location for next years Nationals are so everyone has time to plan for it. Not only work schedules but also Hatching schedules.
I disagree. We all know that there will be a National in the Fall. That's a gimme. Using an old slate of candidates ensures no accountability.
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Since the goal is to have as many members in attendance as possible,
I think that the goal should be revisited and revised as I think it's a poor goal. To me the goal is like a traveling show and attracting _new_ members, _new_ interest.
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:)
Not all may be aware of the shows around. This is a pretty good resource http://www.poultryshowcentral.com/State.html.
I'm not a good example for traveling because I drove 8 hours one way to the National Meet this year to do just a bit of visiting and could not even stay for the show to "officially" start before turning around and coming home due to a scheduling fiasco beyond my control despite my best laid plans.
Being a working guy, knowing far in advance it helpful so that I can guide long term projects to allow for me to take off from work. For my life, knowing around a year in advance is very helpful.
The farther southwest one goes in the center of the country, the better chance of attracting attendees from the south central and south west states if we have members showing in those areas or interested in attending a show. In a thread below it was pointed out that shows our members are showing are good candidates for a national meet and I tend to agree with that notion.
I've enjoyed the Highland, IL show . . . the first weekend of November. I love going to Portage, WI and Frankenmuth, MI. There is a show in Lincoln, NE in early November that might be a option in the future.
A very important part of this decision is that the show is a well run show. Not all shows are well run, so location is secondary to that in my mind. I cannot vouch for the Lincoln, NE show. I may think about taking a few birds this year to try it out. They have some health certificate hurdles that may make it impossible to go given the timeframe for me this year. This is where member suggestions are important. Members know if the show is well run and positive show.
So think about your favorite show and is it a good fit for a National Meet? Timing reasonable for those traveling or will weather get in the way. (I think about some of the late November/early December shows.) Affordable health certification requirements? Well run show? Experience with national or district meets of 200+ birds in a variety.
I will gently disagree with the notion that delaying the selection of the 2017 National Meet until February 2017 has no impact on hatching schedules. At least to me there is an impact on breeder conditioning, breeder pen set up, lighting, size of hatches. A national meet in Portage, WI the third weekend of September is very different from a national meet the second weekend in November when I look at my personal plans for raising pullets and cockerels as potential show birds. A September show means I hit the ground running as soon as I hear it is official with setting up breeding pens, lights, breeder rations, and hatching everything I can early . . . especially large fowl. On the upside . . . Christmas chicks! A November show means I wait a bit through the really bad weather and can keep things a bit more "natural" for the breeding stock.
Just my thoughts. No criticism of anyone intended. Just Michael's respectfully submitted opinion on the subject of National Meets.
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I agree that it needs to be a well run show - I don't want to drive 15-20 hours to be disappointed. But distance is a major consideration for most of us. Since Enterprise DOUBLED their rates last week (literally rented a car on Monday for $30/day and the same car was $60 on Thursday), not sure I'll be making it anywhere >:(, but I checked the mileage with Rand McNally (http://www.randmcnally.com/#mapstab3) to several shows that have been mentioned, as well as some random ones in different regions, and here are some of my numbers:
1400 miles to Lincoln, NE
1311 to Shawnee, OK
1142 to Sedalia, MO
1115 to Portage, WI
940 to Highland, IL
869 to Birch Run
843 to Lebanon, IN
647 to Iverness, FL (Citrus Classic)
558 to Lucasville, OH
555 to Calhoun, GA
538 to Bloomsburg, PA
494 to Lebanon, PA
487 to Knoxville, TN
390 to Frederick, MD
341 to Edgefield, SC
273 to Ruther Glen, VA
98 to Smithfield, NC
I'm throwing this out there and encouraging others to share their numbers so we can try to come up with something that works well for most. I agree that we should rotate to different regions - we're simply to spread out to pick a spot that works for everyone - but I do feel we need to make the decision for 2017 in time to publish it in the winter newsletter so people can plan their hatches, so we need to get the bids in asap, and maybe start looking at narrowing down a region for 2018?
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Just a reminder that when we place our National Meet is already stipulated by our constitution and I quoted the portion that covers that in the first post that started this thread. As it is bids must be submitted to Michael by November 1st to be considered. Every member has a copy of the constitution and it can be viewed and downloaded from our Ameraucana.org site. In 2018 we can talk again about constitutional changes and even discuss the pros and cons of when we place our National Meet now, but if you have a show in mind that you would like to host us I encourage you to get that bid to Michael. The bid is just one item that will be considered, but it is what is needed for the show to be considered.
At our club meeting, in Lebanon, I was asked to post all the criteria that we look at as a board and much of it has already been listed. If someone wants to post bullets with items, before I get around to it, please feel free to get it started.
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Just talked to Neil Townsend a few weeks ago. He mentioned Columbus aka Ohio Nationals, I know Zoe people do not like that show. So please don't shoot the messenger lol. No matter where we have it I will attend, except Canada, that's a different story. I for one do think we need to start thinking of moving it around a little so a select few are not burdened with a long journey every year.
Just an update on this. Neil took me aside, while in Lebanon, and said he would like to have it at Fowl Fest and asked that I let others know his preference.
The offer from the show club is important, but there are many things to consider. Here are some that I can think of...
* When is the show? October thru the 1st half of November is preferred.
* Testing, Do we just need an NPIP flock # or recent Pullorum/Typhoid test or is more needed?
* How well is the show run? Reputation? Do they turn in Meet Reports within 30 days?
* Is a location that draws the most members with the most entries more important than moving it around the country?
* Money, How much is offered to our breed club?
* How much will it cost us per entry?
* Are any awards offered such as plaques for AOCCL and AOSB?
* Do we have first choice of the judges they hire?
* Will our birds be given a prominent location in the showroom? If double stacking is necessary will our birds be on top?
* Will our breed be judged first?
* Do they provide an 8’ table (or more) and 2 chairs.
* Do they provide an area for our club meeting.
* Will they promote our Ameraucana National Meet on their website, social media, print ads?
* Facility, Close to expressway? Good lighting? Wide aisles? Do they double stack coops? Easy to coop in and coop out?
* What else is offered in the area for entertainment, especially for family members that aren't into showing?
* What about lodging availability and costs? Is camping available?
* ?
Duane, Beth and Michael's comments are included.
I've attached a map to show where most members are from.
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* Will our breed be judged first?
why does this matter?
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It may not, if we have our club meeting in the evening after supper as we have the last couple years. Often we hand out awards during the meeting and in the past the meeting was usually around 2 or 3 in the afternoon as I recall, hoping we would have results by then and be able to distribute awards. For that reason national meet breeds are generally judged first.
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It may not, if we have our club meeting in the evening after supper as we have the last couple years. Often we hand out awards during the meeting and in the past the meeting was usually around 2 or 3 in the afternoon
Oh so people there just for the National can cut out early. Makes sense, they don't have to pay for another days fare. Thanks.
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No. It has nothing to do with leaving early and whether it is a one day, two day or three day show no one is to coop out until the birds are "released" by the show club.
Having a breed judged early just means the results should be know early enough for awards to be handed out in a club meeting that afternoon.
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But by the time we held our meeting and passed out awards we'd probably have the okay to coop out, or at least be close. I would prefer that, so I could get part way home before stopping for the night. 18 straight hours of driving last year did me in - I'll never make a drive like that again in one day!! :o
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But by the time we held our meeting and passed out awards we'd probably have the okay to coop out, or at least be close. I would prefer that, so I could get part way home before stopping for the night. 18 straight hours of driving last year did me in - I'll never make a drive like that again in one day!! :o
I don't know of any shows that allow some to coop out early without, maybe a family emergency or very good reason.
The Fowl Fest went back to having a separate junior show so the kids may coop out and leave Saturday while the open show is still a traditional two-day show. I really think they should go back to having all entries in the open show and make it a one-day show for all with the option to coop-out Sunday morning for those that want to spend the extra night.
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My bad, didn't catch that it's a two day show, I was thinking about when we got finished last year.
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Fowl Fest (http://FowlFest.org) was the only bid, so start making plans. ;)
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Fowl Fest is a well run show and held in a great location. There is so much to do up there between the huge outlet mall a stone throw from the expo center. To the historic Bronners and Frankenmuth area, not to mention Tony's ;D. I already know the Blair family will have to book a room for Saturday at the Zhenders water park hotel. But Friday I will stay at the club chosen hotel, I let let my wife book it so I don't screw up like this year :o. I am already stoked for it lol
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Fowl Fest is a well run show and held in a great location.
It's not close to you Russ that you can commute?
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Well, I had already told myself I was going to try to make it up to fowlfest. Now I have even more incentive!
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My place is just 7.5 miles from the Birch Run Expo Center (http://birchrunexpos.com/), home of the Fowl Fest (http://fowlfest.org/), and I'm hoping to have our Saturday evening meal and club meeting at our house. There are many lodging (http://fowlfest.org/birch-run-information.html) opportunities and overnight camping is available at the Expo Center.
Frankenmuth (http://www.frankenmuth.org/) is also only 7.5 miles from the show in Birch Run and the two towns draw many tourists. Many of them like to enjoy a Frankenmuth Family Style Chicken Dinner (http://www.frankenmuth.org/dining/world-famous-chicken/)at either the Bavarian Inn (http://www.bavarianinn.com/dine/) or Zehnder's (http://www.zehnders.com/zehnders-dining-frankenmuth/), so maybe that is something we can put on the calendar for Friday evening. It is over $20 person though. The food is good, but you pay for atmosphere and it is something that some may want to do while another option could be local brats on the grill at my place or go to any of many local restaurants.
We have many months to discuss the possibilities.
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We may have missed it but is there a date for next year's fowl fest yet?
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We may have missed it but is there a date for next year's fowl fest yet?
It is always the 2nd weekend in October, so it will be October 14-15, 2017.
(update...Date changed for 2017 to October 7-8)
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John, are you a member of the local sponsoring club?
http://fowlfest.org/club-information.html
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John, are you a member of the local sponsoring club?
http://fowlfest.org/club-information.html
Yes. Dues are $5 a year. I help a little with registration when exhibitors coop in in Friday evenings.
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The Expo Center where the Fowl Fest is held sat aside the wrong weekend for next year’s show. Since October 1st is on a Sunday they counted that as the 1st weekend of the month, when the Fowl Fest is supposed to be the 2nd “full†weekend of October. Yesterday I was notified the Fowl Fest officers have set the dates of October 7-8 for next year's show. The only other open dates at the Expo Center were September 9-10 or Christmas for them to choose from.
Our board is discussing the options and we'll let you know as soon as a vote is taken where and when our 2017 National Meet will be. I just wanted to let you know that it is up in the air in case you are making plans, like hotel reservations or time off from work.
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Just to be clear...
Fowl Fest is definitely October 7-8, 2017 BUT the Ameraucana Alliance National is no longer at Fowl Fest. Is there a possibility Fowl Fest will still be selected?
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Just to be clear...
Fowl Fest is definitely October 7-8, 2017 BUT the Ameraucana Alliance National is no longer at Fowl Fest. Is there a possibility Fowl Fest will still be selected?
For 2017 the Fowl Fest will be the 1st full weekend in October, the 7th-8th. This is only due to a clerical error on the part of the Birch Run Expo Center where the show is held. I assume it will return to being held on the 2nd full weekend in October starting in 2018.
We had placed our Ameraucana National Meet with them when we all thought the show dates were going to be the 14th-15th. That show was "cancelled", so now our board is discussing placing our 2017 National Meet at the Fowl Fest (Oct. 7-8) and we should have a vote on it soon.
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The board voted again (since the Fowl Fest show dates were changed) and again it will be the site for our 2017 Ameraucana National Meet on October 7-8. 8)
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For members that want to campout in our backyard, that weekend, we'll offer electrical hookup. Maybe bring extension cords, since I only have a limited number to loan out. Campers, trailers, RVs, etc. are welcome with no charge to Alliance members. Kathy and I will have a porta-john brought in for your convenience and you'll have access to the restrooms in the house. Just let us know before the show, if you plan to camp here. :)
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Lol, I was joking about pitching a tent in your yard but works for me! ;D
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Lol, I was joking about pitching a tent in your yard but works for me! ;D
Another member wants to bring a popup camper trailer and wanted to know if they park at the Expo Center, if restrooms would be available at night. I'm sure the Expo Center building is locked each night, so thought our backyard would be a better option for some to consider.
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Michigan Poultry Fanciers had our annual meeting/luncheon this afternoon. They did vote to raise entry fees from $3/bird to $3.50 and retain a $5 clean up fee per exhibitor. Weekend rental of the Birch Run Expo Center has gone up this year for the Fowl Fest and we've been noticed it will be higher yet in 2018 & 2019, so the higher entry fees are meant to cover the increases in rent.
The only judged hired so far in Tim Bowles.
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I received word this evening that SOhioPA (aka "Lucasville") (http://www.sohiopa.org/) will not have a fall show this year. Please take this as the "word on the street" and not official from their show club. I talked to Tim Bowles about it last month and he was doubtful and said they hadn't decided yet at that time.
Victor Hakes of Hakes' Twin City Poultry Supplies (http://twincitypoultrysupplies.com/) generally is setup at both of the shows, when they were a week apart, but will be at Fowl Fest that first full weekend in October. Please place your orders with him in advance of the show to pick up there and save on shipping costs.
Even if you are not an Ameraucana exhibitor, but normally show in Lucasville PLEASE head up US-23 (I-75 exit 136) to the Fowl Fest, in Birch Run, Michigan, that weekend.
Talk is that the 2nd judge for Fowl Fest will be Jacob Bates, from Arkansas. A 3rd will be considered as we get closer to the show dates.
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For members that want to campout in our backyard, that weekend, we'll offer electrical hookup. Maybe bring extension cords, since I only have a limited number to loan out. Campers, trailers, RVs, etc. are welcome with no charge to Alliance members. Kathy and I will have a porta-john brought in for your convenience and you'll have access to the restrooms in the house. Just let us know before the show, if you plan to camp here. :)
I'll include a list of motels, hotels & campgrounds in the area with phone numbers in our spring Newsletter. I was told that there was no charge to exhibitors that spent the night in their trailers/RVs in the parking lot of the Expo Center last year.
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For those of you that plan to show and have a preference please let us know if you would like Tim Bowles or Jacob Bates to judge our meet.
This the time to give your input either here or by email to any officer that can share your thoughts with the other officers as we privately discuss and vote.
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The board of directors voted to have Tim Bowles judge our Ameraucana National Meet this October.
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Fowl Fest is promoting our Ameraucana National Meet in their Poultry Press July issue ad on page 9. 8)
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Hey John, do you have any info on Travel Trailer hook up options at the fairgrounds? Parents are looking into buying a 30 foot travel trailer so now i am debating about cancelling my hotel rooms. Are there showers at the fairgrounds? Might take you up on the offer to park at your place as long as you have room. My trailer will be a bit bigger than a popup or a tent
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Hey John, do you have any info on Travel Trailer hook up options at the fairgrounds? Parents are looking into buying a 30 foot travel trailer so now i am debating about cancelling my hotel rooms. Are there showers at the fairgrounds? Might take you up on the offer to park at your place as long as you have room. My trailer will be a bit bigger than a popup or a tent
The Fowl Fest isn't at a fairgrounds, so there aren't hookups but just parking in the parking lot. There are three campgrounds, closer to Frankenmuth, with hookups and facilities for campers.
Camping
Churchgrove RV Park (989)652-6141 (about 8 miles)
Frankenmuth Jellystone Park (989)652-6668 (about 8 miles)
Pine Ridge R.V. Campground (989)624-9029 (about 2 miles)
Birch Run Expo Center is an entertainment and trade facility located along I-75 in Birch Run, Michigan. Its mission is to provide quality events and entertainment to the Mid-Michigan area which are fan-friendly, family-oriented, safe, clean and professionally produced. We will only host events which we feel the Mid-Michigan Community would be proud to be a part of. The BREC hosts concerts, sporting events, trade shows, circuses and many more events each year.
Alliance members are welcome to setup campers/trailers/RVs in our backyard for the weekend. We can supply basic electrical hookup and the house will open most of the time for bathroom use.
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I'm not going to bring a trailer but am seriously considering tent camping. Car rental and gas will be around $400, so not sure I want to waste money on a bed when I have a perfectly good air mattress.
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My wife, Kathy, has volunteered to put on a Saturday evening dinner for all Alliance members, their families and guests. She is a great cook and enjoys cooking for large groups. We've completed a pavilion in the backyard and plan to have custom tarps made to pretty much enclose it for events like this when the weather is cooler. The idea would be to eat at 6pm and have our annual meeting at 7pm, like last year.
I'll work out a schedule of events, as in the past, and run everything past the board for approval before it is chiseled in stone.
On Friday evening we could make reservations at the Bavarian Inn or Zehnder's for their World Famous Family Style Chicken Dinners (http://www.frankenmuth.org/dining/world-famous-chicken/) if that sounds like the place to go. It is pricy at over $20/person, but tourist's like to go there. There are also many, many other local restaurants to consider and of course Kathy could also put on a Friday evening spread if there is an interest.
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I would love to go get some world famous chicken Friday night. Although I am not sure if I will get there early enough on Friday evening. Dinner on sat night at your place sounds perfect to me!
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We really need a "Like" button. It sounds like a great time, and let Kathy know that Mary and I will help out as needed.
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That is a very generous offer John, and I would gladly accept it if the board approves it.
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Between the "Specials" donated by our members and what our board of directors has agreed to, we will once again be offering well over $2,000 in awards at our Ameraucana National Meet this year.
Members may still donate more designated specials or cash that the board can allocate.
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Folks I think we all can agree, that is an impressive offering. I believe between this wonderful pay out and the silent auction of breeding quality stock. We are geared up to be THE AMERAUCANA show of the year. If you have never attended our National Meet, I encourage you to make plans for this one. I personally look forward to it just to see how my breeding plans are working, compared to other breeders across the country. When I see I am lacking this gives me the perfect opportunity to pick the brains of those with the experience needed to move me forward. So make your plans now, start thinking about which birds to condition, and come join us for some fantastic fellowship. If you have never shown before don't let that stop you. Come see the tricks of some of the top breeders and exhibitors of Ameraucana first hand. I will be looking forward to meeting each and everyone of you ;)
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We really need a "Like" button.
Ditto that! And please tell Kathy I will be happy to help as well.
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Update on awards...Duane Schroeder has donated $50 toward Best LF Eggs in the egg judging competition, so we moved the club's $ that was there to bump both Reserve Bantam Eggs and Reserve LF Eggs to $50 awards!
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Thanks, Duane!
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Why can't October be here already? This is almost as bad as counting down the days till vacation.
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Jensen I feel your excitement as well, I have several young birds in conditioning pens already. I get them all out every evening and look them over, not to mention constantly scanning my grow out pens looking for more. I am hoping to build some more conditioning pens this weekend. My Uncle Dave has been picking up pet carriers all summer while he does his garage sale hunts lol so I am geared up to bring a truck full.
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Beth has donated...
$20/$10 on BB/RB junior bantam and $20/$10 on BB/RB junior large fowl
$15 on BV junior large fowl buff
8)
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Wow, thanks Duane and Beth for your generosity.
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Speed limits on some Michigan highways and expressways are going up (http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdot/MDOT_SpeedLimitIncreases2017Map_558274_7.pdf). So travel time to the Fowl Fest will be a bit faster for some, especially those coming from the north. I-75 from just north of Bay City is now 75mph all the way to the Soo and parts of US 2, in the U.P., is or will increase to 65mph.
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As of today the Fowl Fest show catalog, including an Entry Form (http://fowlfest.org/files/Fall-2017-Show-Catalog-webr1.pdf), is online at FowlFest.org (http://fowlfest.org/). Just click on the link on the Home page.
If you need a printed version sent to you in the mail, please let me know. ;)
Exhibitors Table
Exhibitors must check in at the Michigan Poultry Fanciers club table before cooping-in. You will be assigned your exhibitors number and receive an exhibitor list. We can also help you with information on the Birch Run area.
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A schedule for our national meet is attached below. It has dates and times for many of the events associated with both our meet and the Fowl Fest. Also, I've included addresses for those that want to plug them into their GPS systems.
Meals are planned for both Friday and Saturday evenings for Alliance members, their families and guests. Please let me know if you plan to attend either or both and how many will be in your group, so I can make reservations and know how many to expect. Contact me also if you need more information.
Friday, 7pm, Supper at the Bavarian Inn of Zehnder's of Frankenmuth
John & Kathy Blehm
Jim Fegan & daughter Jennifer
Neil & Donna Townsend
Mike & Mary Gilbert
Bob & Sandy Rennolet
Sue Paolini (2)
Russ Blair & uncle Dave
Beth Curran
Colton Friedel, mother & grandmother
Jensen Pierson & father Doug
Saturday, 7pm, Supper at Blehm’s place, annual club meeting & awards ceremony.
John & Kathy Blehm
Jim Fegan & daughter Jennifer
Neil & Donna Townsend
Mike & Mary Gilbert
Bob & Sandy Rennolet
Sue Paolini (2)
Russ Blair & uncle Dave
Beth Curran
Debbie & Larry Hogan
Gary Burton
Jensen Pierson & father Doug
Dante Pirouz & children Adler and Niko
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Time is flying by and if you haven't sent in your Entry Form (http://fowlfest.org/files/Fall-2017-Show-Catalog-webr1.pdf) yet for the Fowl Fest (http://fowlfest.org/) please don't wait much longer. They don't go by a "postmarked by" date, but rather it must be received by Wednesday, September 20th.
Entry Form and Payment must be RECEIVED by the MPF by Wednesday, September 20th
Also, please remember to let me know if you are attending either or both of our evening meals:
> Friday, 7pm, Supper at the Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth
> Saturday, 7pm, Supper at Blehm’s place
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John put myself and my Uncle Dave down for both nights please. I will check with my wife tonight and see if my daughter has a cross country meet that weekend. If she doesn't I may add my wife and daughter for the Saturday meal also.
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Whew who, less than two weeks until the greatest display of Ameraucana this country will see this year. I am super stoked, even with the molt arama that's taking place here at my house.
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I had to read that last post twice. The first time through
I thought it said, "molt aroma!" I'm thinking, what exactly does that mean??? I didn't know molting caused a smell! ::)
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...molt arama...
With so many big events adding "palooza" to their titles I guess Molt-A-Palooza would work also. In the old days they probably just called it a Molt Fest! ;)
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;D
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The hardware awards arrived today and this "Champion" one that Kraig Shafer donated looks real nice...and also fits nicely on my gun cabinet. ;D
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John the only thing wrong with it is there is not a Bantam on top? How will I ever be able to tell the story to my grandkids about the really nice black bantam I won it with ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D. All joking a side it looks marvelous, some member will proudly display it I guarantee.
I can get you a file and some black paint, then voilà ...you'll have a bantam black Ameraucana! ;)
The bird on top is just a generic chicken and the only one I've seen used on commercial trophies.
The Illini show used to give out little wood trophies that were handcrafted and specific to the winning breeds. The two in the photo below are from the 90s and a bit dusty. Not that I've won many, but they are the only chicken trophies I've kept in the house.
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Beautiful trophy!
Got a good laugh out of molt aroma! ;D
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Those wooden trophies were hand-carved by the late George Cairns. I have a few in my trophy cabinet as well.
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Our Fowl Fest forecast looks like this...
Friday
A chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 71. Calm wind becoming southeast around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday Night
Showers. Low around 59. South wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Saturday
Showers likely before 8am, then a chance of showers after 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. Breezy, with a south southwest wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 16 to 21 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 37 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Saturday Night
Showers, mainly between 8pm and 2am. Low around 57. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 76.
Not great, but not too bad either. :-\
I'll keep updating this post as the National Weather Service (http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-83.86401&lat=43.30169#.Wc7VJLpFx9B) includes more of the weekend forecast and updates it.
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Looks like we'll make the 200+ number again this year! ;D
Preliminary ameraucana numbers:
Open bantam: 107
LF open: 75
Junior bantam: 8
Junior LF: 11
Total: 201
Update 10/2/2017
Looks like the total will be closer to 209 with about 20 exhibitors!
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I had hoped to make it to the national but Tawnya is still recovering from surgery. :( She is not strong enough yet to make the trip. If I left without her I would have to sleep with the chickens when I got home. :o So, good luck and safe travels to everyone. I'll be watching for updates!
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Thanks for the update Max. Hope she gets better very soon, and back to full strength. Do you have any plans for the Master Cup this year?
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I had hoped to make it to the national but Tawnya is still recovering from surgery. :( She is not strong enough yet to make the trip. If I left without her I would have to sleep with the chickens when I got home. :o So, good luck and safe travels to everyone. I'll be watching for updates!
You guys and others will be missed, but life happens and hobbies take a back seat as they should. I've heard from at least a couple others that are dealing with "health issues" in their families that would have otherwise came. Then you have the daughter of one member that actually is getting married the same weekend as a national meet and her father had to choose which event to attend. ???
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I received an email from Matt this evening. There are 1,145 birds entered and the class breakdowns are in the attachment.
155 AOCCL & 93 AOSB and you know most of them are Ameraucanas! :D
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Thanks for the update Max. Hope she gets better very soon, and back to full strength. Do you have any plans for the Master Cup this year?
I have been needing to have my knee fixed for quite a few years so now that my insurance deductible has been met for the year I may try to do that. I won't have many chickens to care for so I think it's an opportune time to do so. That means I won't be getting around very well for a few months.
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Prayers sent for a speedy recovery, for Tawnya and for your knee as well. Sounds like a good time to get it taken care of.
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The Friday night supper location has changed. I tried making reservations at the Bavarian Inn, but evidently I was too late so we'll be across the road at Zehnder's of Frankenmuth (http://www.zehnders.com/) at 7pm on Friday. The reservation is for the 15 that signed up and they said it can be increased to 19 if a few more let me know they want to go. Zehnder's is “America’s Largest Family Restaurantâ€
FYI... both restaurants are owned by Zehnder cousins and both are known for their "WORLD FAMOUS FAMILY STYLE CHICKEN DINNER".
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Kathy said for Saturday's supper she make a Mexican meal, featuring chicken fajitas, beef enchiladas & her famous Spanish rice. Of course there will be plenty desserts.
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Sorry to hear about Tawnya Max, and sounds like a good time to get your knee taking care of. Funny how things work out? FYI if I would've gotten some of them Blues hatched earlier I would really be giving everyone a run for there money in the AOSB class. Hopefully everything works out and you guys can make it next year.