It had been several years since I have attended a show in Tri Cities.  I was really looking forward to it.  I was warned ahead of time by several other exhibitors who routinely attend this show.  But I had no idea how serious they were being when they said, there was no room.

When we walked in, the building itself was packed.  There was no room, anywhere.  My cart was stacked 4 carriers high, with two two-hole carriers on each row.  Nickie and I entered the building and there was a large set up area (with space to move around) for Great Northern Cage Co.  Next to them the local 4H kids had a snack/coffee/lunch booth.  Between the 4H booth and another exhibitor there was a small enough space to stand, with our carts loaded. (We still had more rabbits out in the van!)  

It didnt take long, maybe 10 minutes of standing there before we were asked to move away from the 4H food booth because of health reasons.  So then we pulled our carts out and stood in the pathway.  Looking around we found an exhibitor sitting in a chair, with two other chairs forming a circle, with one carrier, and two rabbits.  We asked if we can squeeze in since they only had the two.  The lady was not happy, and grumbled as we tried to squeeze in.  Now granted most of the rabbits I brought were sale rabbits, I only brought 7 to actually show.  

At this point I was feeling very frustrated and overwhelmed.  I wanted to scratch my entries and just leave.  There was no room to move around.  I was worried about getting animals to the table in a timely manner.  How many carriers am I going to have to step over.  As someone who cannot feel one half of a foot, this can be dangerous for me and cause a fall.  I really dont want to fall on anyones carriers with rabbits in them, or even the hard concrete floor.  I was at the point of going up to the show secretary and demanding a refund because there was no safe place for us to be, and I could not safely navigate this show room.  I wanted to cry and scream.  I have never ever attended a show that was this chaotic and crammed. The venue is clearly too small for the show they are hosting.

While we were in the process of setting up tables, we were approached by a member of the hosting club asking us to move over by the wall, because there would be more space.  Good, I didnt want to be next to this crabby lady with two rabbits anyway.  So again, we moved.  

Finally we settled into a place.  We had our tables set up.  Sale rabbits up against the wall and we managed to set up a table in the next row as well.  Show rabbits were left on the cart to make it easier to get them all to the show table on the other side of the room.  I was calming down a wee bit.  Did a lap around the show room to check judging schedules, paid my fees, checked out the raffle, etc.

It didnt take long after we settled in and got comfortable before a mother/daughter couple returned to the spot with their carts in tow full of rabbits......we were in their spot!  Ridiculous!  I was now at the point where, if I am asked to move again...I am moving outside and scratching all my entries.  I was done.  Thankfully Nickie was able to take over this situation, and help them find a location to call home.  We stayed, I calmed down some, and we showed our rabbits.

After being away from home for 8 days by the time of this show, to say I was shocked to hear that some of my seniors were.....well, over conditioned, would be an understatement.   

In the end it was nice to show amongst different competition, and have judges that we don't often see in Montana. Regardless of being irritated at the cramped conditions of the venue, I was still happy that I attended this show.  Yes, even if I didn't win a thing!  

Unfortunately I will say, this I will not attend this show again unless there is a change in venue.  Standing room only, and having to squeeze in between, step over carriers, etc does not work for my physical ailments.  The Claustrophobia, I can deal with.  Irritation with people, I can deal with.  No Rabbit Show is worth risking my physical health, and putting me in so much pain afterwards.

What an amazing weekend! And an amazing show!  This was one of the most relaxing and laid back shows NMRE has done!  The show was held in Nickie's forested yard.  We were shaded quite well, which also kept it on the cooler side.  Everyone brought something for the pot luck lunch, which also was amazeballs! Nickie & Nancy's husbands manned the grill and kept the chicken and brats coming.

We had mainly locals come to the show, which was wonderful as I met so many new folks and seen several faces I have not seen in forever!  And we can't forget how amazing Ms. Pru is for bringing me some of my favorite Oatmeal No Bake cookies! They were the best! My only complaint was that they disappeared by the time the sun went down!! (I wonder where they went!? hmmm....)

It was nice to see so many Washington folk support a Montana Club in their backyard.  NMRE has struggled since covid to stay afloat, barely keeping our heads above water.  We went one year without being able to put on a show at all.  Now we can, and that is because of the generosity of another club & the Washington Rabbit Folks!

I was the only person in attendance with Mini Lops, and I only brought the five needed.  So here are a couple photos of those placements.
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Now a new Grand Champion! BHMB Legacy wins a Best Opposite of Breed out of over 50 amazing Mini Lops entered at the Washington State Convention!  I am utterly speechless and humbled by these wins!

Wallace's Toby, bred by Laura Wallace of Wallace's Stop Light Hoppers wins Best of Breed!

Wallace's Reign of Darkness wins Best of Breed and a Best Opposite in Spokane at the Annual Snowflake Show Jan 2020