Saturday, July 18, 2009

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Saturday Banquet Events

Saturday was a busy day for everyone involved with this event.
Participants were trickling in and getting settled; some from home and a large number arriving from Saskatoon where the Saskatoon Retriever Club graciously offered campsites and their excellent training facilities to participants for pre-trial training. The Regina Retriever Club trial committee was busy setting up the hall and the silent auction for the opening banquet and dealing with the myriad of last-minute details that attend any function.

Fast-forward to the Opening Banquet, held at headquarters - the Buffalo Lookout Campground - in their unique round hall. The head table was piped in by local bagpiper Lee Boyes (pictured at right) and seated. The Master of Ceremonies was club member Rick Thibault (below) who introduced the head table: the western zone judge-Ron Graham with his wife Jan (who will be assisting with the field reporting), the Southern Ontario judge-Dennis Voigt and the central zone judge-Phil Macmillan, NRCC president Jim Ling, NRCC secretary/treasurer Marg Murray and the 2009 National Committee Co-Chairman/Marshal Ernie Rose with his wife Pat. Lauralee Camilleri and Tim Crone were introduced and thanked for Purina's major sponsorship. Tritronics was recognized for their sponsorship as well. Gerry Burmaster kindly consented to sing both national anthems and lead the gathering with his powerful voice. Club member Gerry Leippi said grace and a delicious roast beef supper was served buffet style.

Purina representatives Lauralee Camilleri and Tim Crone had the arduous task of assembling the handlers’ packages, all graciously donated by Purina. The judges and the marshal were out in the field fine-tuning tests that are sure to be challenging. Meanwhile, the National Retriever Club of Canada was holding a Director's Meeting at the Buffalo Lookout Campground, which is the headquarters for the Canadian National event.

Following supper NRCC President - Jim Ling addressed the crowd with words of welcome and congratulations. NRCC pins were presented to: the Judges, the 2009 Committee Co-chairman/Marshal, the 2009 Committee Co-chairman, and the 2009 National Amateur Field Trial Secretary, and all of the handlers received their pins. Jim also made the announcement for 2010 National Amateur Retriever Championship - the event will be held in North Bay, Ontario and hosted by the North Bay Camp; District Retriever Training Club. The judges selected are Dawne McKenzie representing the central zone, Barry Grundy representing the western zone and Gerry Pozzebon representing southern Ontario zone. Congratulations to all.

Next up to the podium was the 2009 Committee Co-chair and President of the Regina Retriever Club Dave MacDonald (left). He welcomed one and all to the event. All of the sponsors were recognized, Gold Sponsors include The Potash Corporation, Capital Ford-Lincoln, the Saskatchewan English Springer Spaniel Club, A1 Rent-Alls, and of course Tritronics. Purina was listed as a gold sponsor but Dave gave them recognition as a Platinum Sponsor for their level and continuity of sponsorship. Dave ended with a reminder to everyone to have fun throughout the next week with the best of luck to all.

Lauralle Camilleri was asked to speak and commented on the inspiration she derives from watching the dogs perform. She thanked the retriever community for their loyalty to Purina and Purina's desire to give back.

Ernie Rose (right) welcomed the judges, all competitors and spectators to the 2009 National Amateur Retriever Championship. Ernie thanked Rick Thibault for emceeing, Gerry for his singing and Gord for volunteering to introduce the handlers and hold the Calcutta. Ernie also introduced the 2009 National Amateur Committee and commended them for the work done and on their teamwork which enabled a small club like the Regina Retriever Club to stage a national event.

Dennis Voigt (far left) spoke on behalf of the judges, welcoming everyone to Regina. He thanked the NRCC and the Regina Retriever Club for their efforts in holding this event. Dennis had a few words of caution for the handlers regarding their dogs in the expected blazing hot Saskatchewan climate as well as the hazards of some of the local flora, namely foxtails and needle grass. With words of congratulations for qualifying for this event, Dennis handed the podium over to the Marshal. Ernie Rose gave out the Marshal's instructions to the handlers and along with wishes of good luck.

Judges gifts, beautiful elk sculptures and products from Purina, were presented to Dennis, Ron and Phil by Dave MacDonald.

Many thanks to Gord Benn for introducing the handlers and to Purina reps Lauralee Camilleri, Tim Crone and Les Oaks for handing out the jackets, hats and handlers packages, all supplied by Purina. Gord also conducted the Calcutta which went briskly with a lot of friendly rivalry going on among the handlers. Thanks also to Jim Couch for spotting the auction and Ernie Rose for recording the results.

The draw for the first dog to run on Monday was held with Lauralee picking dog #2 out of the hat: FTCH AFTCH PILKINGTON CASPER OF MT. GRANITE, owned and handled by Gerry Burmaster will be the starting dog Monday morning.

The banquet closed with everyone in good spirits.

Monday's test will be held at the Regina Retriever Club grounds from 8am - 5:30pm.

posted by Canadian National Amateur Blog Team @ 3:19 PM