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Never been to an ARBA Convention
before ??
What to expect at Peoria.
It is anticipated
that Convention catalogs will be made available during the latter part of June or first part of July.
Please keep checking our web page for information regarding the catalogs,
their availability, and the Convention entry procedure.
http://www.nordickrabbits.com/welcomeback.htm
Entry forms, etc. will be included with the catalogs. Your entry fee will cover
*the animal being judged in the class/es in which it is entered, *the cooping for the animal during the convention,
*the available feed provided, *those feed and water cups provided by the
convention sponsors, and *the designated bedding.
The official days of the convention are
October 6th (Sunday) - October 10th (Thursday). However, many people will begin arriving as early as Friday the 4th.
Here is what you can generally expect during the course of the event.
Friday, Oct. 4th
ARBA Board meetings begin.
The Commercial Vendors begin coming in to set up their booths and get their products ready for display. Many will even begin selling to those arriving early,
or as soon as possible once their set up is completed.
Many people will begin showing up with their animals. These are the early birds that like to come in early to visit with other exhibitors, the sponsoring group, and the commercial vendors. Some will
even pitch in and help with any last minute details that need completed. This is also a good time to start “scoping out”
those entered animals, noting those that may even be "For Sale".
Saturday, Oct. 5th
ARBA Board meetings continue.
The showroom is open very early in the morning as more and more people will be arriving. Check in procedures begin for those rabbits and cavies entered in the convention.
*Check in is intended to be done in one designated Open and Youth area for
entered
animals, and will cover all breeds by each exhibitor. Only entered
animals are allowed in the showroom.
Again, the Commercial Vendors will be
arriving and setting up, and it's usually an excellent day of sales for them.
Check in for youth royalty contests.
It is anticipated
that 50% or more of the rabbits and cavies will arrive today. People will be very busy checking their animals in, cooping them, visiting with old and new acquaintances, and particularly buying and selling rabbits. It is best to try and purchase anything you may be interested in as soon as
possible. After the judging, most animals have already been sold, or the owner may not wish to sell after the placements have been made. On the other hand, they may also be anxious to sell after the placements have been made !!
The showroom is open all night on Saturday for checking in, visiting, and
"all around camaraderie".
Sunday, Oct. 6th
This is the day of the “official opening” of the convention. All rabbits and cavies entered in the convention
MUST be in place by 10:00 PM on this day.
Again, Commercial Vendors are open for business, and this promises to be one of the best days of sales for them throughout the event.
The ARBA Booth opens for business. ARBA registration of members in attendance at the convention begins.
More youth contest events.
Breeders abound in the showroom with buying, selling, and “rabbit trading” going on all day.
There is a luncheon for ARBA
judges, followed by a Judge’s Conference that is open to anyone wishing to attend. After the open Judge’s Conference, there is a one hour session for judges only.
Monday, Oct 7th
More youth contests.
Judging for open and youth animals begin, and lasts the remainder of the day. Some National Specialty Clubs have meetings.
Tuesday, Oct. 8th
Judging for open and youth animals continues until completion.
More National Specialty Club meetings.
More youth contests.
Best in Show judging.
ARBA Banquet.
Wednesday, Oct. 9th
Presentation of eligible proposed new breeds and varieties.
More National Specialty Club meetings.
Rabbit and Cavy Health Committee seminar.
ARBA General Membership meeting.
ARBA Youth Banquet.
Thursday, Oct. 10th
Release of all
animals (7:00 AM), and exhibitors may pick up show reports upon checkout.
Final ARBA Board Meeting.
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