But it probably isn't anything like its going to be in a few short days. The entries have started to come in. I've mail in, phone in and email entries. I like the email entries because its pretty simple to notify the exhibitor that I did recieve their entry. It also means I didn't miss their call because I was out in the chicken coop with my own birds.

Phil will be here later this morning to help loading the trailers. The sixteen footer is the one that is so time consuming. It is also the one that the cage bottoms are carried on. Each of the bottoms need to be inspected to see if they need cleaning after the disenfecting they rec'd before being put up for storage. Hate bugs and spiders seem to find that stack of wood appealing.

The stands and cages will go on seperate trailers to make set-up a bit simpler. No sorting necessary when unloading.

This year we have some long time show producers very much involved in the show which should help those of us who have only been involved putting the show on for a very short time. We have exhibitors who have given their time very graciously in the past and plan to do so again. I'd like to thank them in advance for their contribution to making these shows a reality.

We're fairly certain everything is in place, won't really know until the day of. Some things have to wait until 10th, like the several dozen donuts that will be available for those coming to coop their birds in that morning. The food that will be served will have to wait until just before. The phone in entries will continue until Thursday.

I'm still looking for the time to get my own birds ready to come to the show. Phil said the same thing to me yesterday. Today is make or break day for us both.

Its time to get the birds' day started and to get my own stuff done before Phil shows up. We're looking forward to seeing you all on the 10th and to see once again the oustanding birds that are brought each year.

Since I posted last we've added a special meet for both the Polish and the Rosecombs. The excitement is beginning to build as the date draws closer to reality.

There are things I realize that I would like to change with this site but I'm not touching it until after the show is over. One of the things is to have the ability for exhibitors to fill out their entry forms from the website. That will take more time than I have at the moment and would probably be a mistake with the show date so close.

I've had a few phone calls from new exhibitors. They're already nervous about the prospect of showing for the first time. Its not easy convincing them that it will be OK. There will be people there to answer questions and to help when needed. That no one is going to make fun of their birds. That its an opportunity to learn what is right and what is wrong about their birds. To be able to see what it is that makes a certain bird special enough to win the show.

November 10th right around the corner.

Over 100 catalogues hit the Post Office yesterday. That does not include the countless numbers that were emailed to potential exhibitors in the last month. There are exhibitors that bring their birds to our show every year and from the word we're hearing we can look forward to seeing them again this year. These are folks that have been breeding and showing their birds for many years and have a wealth of knowledge to share with others, especially those new to the chicken world. Its a rare event when you come across and exhibitor who wouldn't step up to lend a hand where it is needed. That is the hallmark of what makes poultry breeders some of the best people to know, their willingness to help.

This weekend I have my own responsibilities to take care of. That being the new coop my husband and I are building. Next week I'll begin doing the repairs on the cage bottoms. In the past they were not stored in an optimal location and they suffered some damage. I need to pull the damaged bottoms out and determine whether they need complete replacement or if a simple repair will take care of the problem. The cages and bottoms won't need much other than to make certain they are clean.

Remember, if you would like a copy of the show catalogue emailed to you contact can be made at this website and I will get one out to you ASAP.

Of course this is not the beginning of putting together a successful poultry show. The process started last November with the reservaton of the Show Hall. Then in Janurary inviting breed clubs to hold meets at the show. When a breed club holds a meet that earns exhibitors' points within the breed club and possibly with the APA and ABA.

The design of the Show Catalogue began back in August with suggestions and approvals given by club members. Local business people also sell advertising or make donations to the club to help finance the expense of hosting a show.

For the past two weeks Phil the Show Superintendant and I have been working on the phones, through email and in person with folks who are interested in bringing birds to the show. Some of these folks have been showing for years, some are like me who are really just getting started. We've spent time tracking down email addresses to send out catalogues to past exhibitors and new, printing the Show Catalogue and getting the addresses on to be sent on to the potential exhibitors.

Along the way we've made some new friends that have gone out of their way to help us make our venture a success. I will not mention their names, they know who they are but should be acknowledged in some way the Club's appreciation for their efforts. Thank you folks for the time you've given to make things right.

Soon the entry forms will begin to roll in. All of the entries must be logged and divided into the correct bird classifications. This will be a daunting task since there will be upwards of 750 birds to be exhibited. In the mean time we will be getting the cages, stands and bottoms ready to be setup. Some minor repairs, cleaning and what ever they might require.

Right now is the calm before the storm.