Moore County Kennel Club Show 2022
Hard to believe that two months have flown by since our beautiful dog show. This year almost 2,000 entries in 154 different breeds walked before our truly stellar panel of judges. The RVs on site were more than ever, food trucks rolled in and out both days offering differing food options, and only a bit of trouble with “mother nature” caused a few damp feelings.
Our show has grown in popularity, is known for a pretty site, great panels of judges, and a fair amount of Southern Charm. But it takes a lot of work to make it all happen.
Nothing would move forward without the work of Bill and Patty Pace who repeat their roles, year after year, assuring that all is in place, before entries open, and that all moves forward after entries close. This was my 10th year of being show chair, and every year there is some improvement! Bigger tents are in evidence, and a great site set up that is good for spectators, handlers, and judges. As just a sidebar remark, in Buck County Pennsylvania, on the same weekend, their historic show was cancelled when the storm rolled through and flattened their tents and flooded their site. Our tents remained, immobile, with barely a fluttering
We were joined this year by two pre-show days of Golden Retrievers. What a sight that was, on the Wednesday the Goldens had “working trials” at nearby grounds, Thursday they had a National event (entry of 200, judged by our Patty Pace) and Friday the Tarheel Golden Retriever Club had their usual Specialty (entry of 200). At our two days over 150 entries a day were Goldens. Word must have spread of how well this works, and how welcoming we are, as two other breeds have inquired as to the possibility of holding their specialty with our show. It’s a very good reputation to have.
Apart from Bill and Patty, Jane, and myself, we are grateful to our Pet Responsibility friends, for helping during the days of set up, and for being with us Saturday and Sunday. The same with our Vet Techs, who are organized by Nona Burrell, and as a thank you for our annual donations, arrived at 6AM to start parking and then stay to do miscellaneous chores. The saying goes “it takes a village” and it takes that and then some.
When extraordinary weather rolled in, it was all hands on deck to move rings around and get them secured under cover, and stealing the Broadway phrase “the show will go on.” And kudos to our superintendent Moss Bow, for being at our shoulder every step of the way.
In the end, group winners left with gorgeous sterling trophies (thank you Lisa Schrank) and Best in Show winners received trophies reminiscent of the “good old days.”
Sincere thanks to all who helped, either before, during, or wherever they saw the need. No one does it alone! From the front of the catalogue I send special thanks to: Bill and Patty Pace, Ellen Pfann for pre-show publicity, Betty Chapman who made sure we remained fiscally responsible, David Kirkland as our Chief Ring Steward, Carol Dowd for the flowers, Lisa Schrank for the trophies, and Jane Hammett Bright for guiding us all year long! And to the many members that complete the picture of a great show!
Don’t rest on your laurels, we are already well on our way to finalizing 2023. Be prepared to volunteer to its success. Thanks, Karolynne
Best in Show Win Photos courtesy of Tom Nutting