2008
NATIONAL ARBA CONVENTION
Louisville,
Kentucky
The
National Convention in Louisville is history, but what a
great convention for our members that attended. The
Convention Building was set up very well with our Flemish
having a great area in the building, and right next to our
wonderful booth. We had 382 Flemish entered in the open,
and around 67 in the youth for a total of 449. Our
Federation had two outstanding Judges to sort out our
animals with Dr. Chris Hayhow, (President of the ARBA), and
Joey Shults, from California (Joey is the only
Flemish Giant breeder to have won a
Best in Show
at an ARBA National Convention. This was in 1987 at Portland,
Ore. Where he also had Best and Best Opp Breed Flemish
Giant).
All
officers of the Federation were at the Convention (except
one was unable to attend). Our Flemish Giant Booth was, in
my opinion, the best in the Convention. Our thanks to
Frank Welch,
and Hazel Langley, Booth Chairpersons, and Mabel Tobias for
the 47th straight year working all week in the
booth. The awards and trophies were as always outstanding
(Thanks to Judie and Frank Welch – Welch’s Trophies). Also
we had a great display with Fern Zappia and Annie Murdock
dressed as Flemish Giant Rabbits, and Reggie Murdock dressed
as Kentucky Fried Chicken. It was wonderful, and thanks to
all that worked in the booth.
As always
I would like to thank those that helped around the table
carrying animals to and from the table, and Judie Welch,
Emily Carter, Hazel Langley, and Kathy Bomia for writing at
the table. Also would like to mention that a big thank you
goes to Ray Damiani for keeping the aisle ways clean- He was
sweeping daily. Congratulations to all the winners who are
listed on our web site, and also in the newsletter. Bob
and Lynn Bolyard had Best Opp. Breed with a 6/8 Sandy Doe ,
and also Best Display in the open (Good Job). Also big
congratulations to Youth Inga Dolinski-Rymal, from Michigan
for her Best and Best Opp Breed, and Best Display.
Congratulations to all the youth that showed, the Mertens,
Suttons, Nissenegger, Hipsher etc…. . Also thanks to
Christi Sutton for helping out at the table with our youth.
Our
Rabbit raffle, organized by Frank Welch, went well with our
club making a good amount of money, as well as Judie
organizing the Auction at the Banquet that made our club
good money. Also thanks to John Davis from KC for sending
over $230 to Judie to cover our Specials expenditures for
next year. (Should bring it up to near $700). Financially
the convention was and outstanding success for our
organization. Thanks to all the members that contributed to
our financial success. Also, again thanks to Annie Murdock
for making all the center pieces, at our banquet, Reggie for
his necklace, and Bill Mairs for the Salmon, and Bob Shaftoe
for the Booze, and anyone I may have forgotten (A Giant
Thank you from the Federation).
Special
awards went to the following members: Frank Welch presented
Fred Russell from Illinois with the Master Breeders Award.
Jack Langley presented Don and Karen Clouse of Indiana with
the award for being inducted into the Flemish Giant Hall of
Fame, “Honor Roll”. Congratulations to both who were very
deserving. Youth Recognition awards were presented by Dawn
Buuck to three very deserving young members of our
organization. They were Harmon Gombash, Ohio, Heath Sutton,
Mo., and Brian Hoornbeek, N.Y. . These are outstanding
youth members of the Flemish Giant Federation. Robert
Bomia, President presented Fred Russell with the Toilet Seat
award for the worse Flemish Giant (Pot Belly Light Gray
Pig), and he wore it proudly……. (This is a fun award that is
highly sought after).
During
the week many of the members went to many interesting sites
in the Louisville area. The Kentucky Derby Museum, The
Louisville
Slugger factory, and John “E’s” to name a few. Doc
Hall was named the new King of light grays. The next
National Convention will be held in San Diego, California,
and Kathy Rynard and Joanne Walker will be the Show
Superintendants and Breed Chairpersons. Two years from now
the Convention will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and
Doc Dan Hall will be the Breed Superintendant. Looking
forward to seeing everyone at the Federation 7th
National Show in Michigan next spring at Bob and Lynn
Bolyards in Reading, Michigan.
For the
membership: Robert Bomia, President
