But for other people, it seems that rabbits shows are slow, dragging out for hours with nothing to do. Sure, Hollands are lucky because they are generally one of the first breeds to the table. I'm sure it's harder for breeds with smaller numbers who virtually always get judged last.
But I don't think it would make much difference for me. I don't intend just to sit around waiting anyway. I have things to do.
So how do I spend 6 or 8 or 10 or 12 or even 14 hours? It's easy.
- Help out with registration if there's a backlog.
- Look over rabbits with other breeders.
- Catch up with friends.
- Watch other breeds being judged. You might even learn something that applies to your breed, too.
- Register rabbits (either as registrar or have your rabbits registered).
- Attend club meetings.
- Meet with customers.
- Evaluate your rabbits.
- Show your rabbits to friends.
- Do some extra grooming on your rabbits.
- Eat.
- Write or ramrod (that's a big one!)
- Buy raffle tickets.
- Rest and relax (that doesn't happen much).
- Help the show secretary with paperwork.
- Make new friends.
- Mentor a new breeder.
- Discuss issues important to our hobby - lobby for positive changes.
I suppose if I couldn't keep busy with those items, then I could also bring a book, bring some needlework, balance my checkbook, plan some breedings, make a to do list or something else, but I never get that far. I'd much rather chat with friends anyway.
I think the things that makes show length not an issue for me is that I don't make any plans until the show winds down. I don't care if I'm the person who has traveled the furthest to the show, I plan to be there until the end. Then I decide whether to stay the night or drive home.
This attitude takes a lot of pressure off of me. I'm not worrying about whether the superintendent is perfect in assigning breeds. I'm not tempted to pressure a judge to hurry up. I don't stand around thinking of the incompetences at the show that have made me stay late.
After all, this is a day that I set aside for my hobby. I'm going to enjoy it. All of it. I have plenty to keep me busy because I am involved, because I love to learn, and because I enjoy sharing what I know.
I will say that I've had a conflict in the evening a couple of times that couldn't be avoided. I just set my cutoff time and left at that time. There were no complaints on my part for the speed of the show. I knew that it was my deadline and not theirs.
I would love to see more people come to spend the day, relax, and enjoy things. That's not to say that the exhibitors, judges, show secretary, and show superintendent shouldn't work to keep things going smoothly. It just means that when people show their imperfections (which we all have), we don't get bent out of shape about it.
Those who need to get home at a certain time should own that decision. That means that they should only enter one show if they detest the idea of scratching their entries. If they are willing to take the chance, then they should scratch their entries politely and leave on time without making others feel bad.
If you've been on the host side of a show, you are so well aware of how unpredictable shows are. Clubs hire judges up to a year in advance. Entries come in two to four days before the show. Sometimes that doesn't match up well.
And new judges are often slower. New exhibitors (and some experienced ones) are often slower as well. Show secretaries sometimes are learning. And every show superintendent had his or her first show.
So be patient and forgiving (I'll try, too), fill your day with good things, and own your own decision if you need to leave early. Do your part as an exhibitor, judge, show secretary, or show superintendent to keep things moving along. It's no one person's fault if a show runs long.
And try to always remember that this is a hobby.
Laurie
¶ 12:11 PM
