It’s unusual for me to do back to back shows but with the scarcity of Fall events this year near to Colorado, I find myself off to my last show of the year when I’ve barely settled back after returning from Topeka. This weekend, it’s the ABR Fall Fest which for the last few years has been held at the Ranch in Loveland, an hour north of Denver.
I’ve heard that it will be a Level IV show this year with more breeders than ever. That’s an interesting and heartening tidbit given the economy. It hints that breeders are not giving up, not losing their dedication to the industry, and stepping up or maintaining their marketing commitments. At least that’s what I like to think.
It’s the first time I’ve attended Fall Fest since it moved north of Denver. The show used to be held in Castle Rock which was a blessing to breeders south of the city. Since it’s moved north, there’s been a drop off of attendance from the southern Colorado breeders – we’ve been spoiled by its historic proximity. Now it’s just far enough to make commuting burdensome but not quite far enough to make a hotel mandatory. In other words, torture for the thrifty breeder! However, the reason I had not attended recently had more to do with the date – it used to be mid-October and is now held in early to mid-November…dangerously close to the holidays for me. Yes, I’m one of those pesky holiday planners who start baking and shopping before the Thanksgiving turkey has turned to forlorn leftovers. Shame on me, I know.
This weekend, however, I plan to put all thoughts of the impending holiday season away and concentrate on enjoying our local autumn show. Hope to see you there.
