Going to try and answer a few of the newbie questions and comments I saw on here - I hope I don't miss one.
First - for the person who said they might wear a funky t-shirt if it's not too cold. Good luck with that - you'll have to wear it over your parka. While they attempt to heat the building, it is just too big, there are too many doors opening all day, and it is just too cold. I'm packing heat pockets in my boots this year. You're basically going to be in a large metal ice cave. Dress appropriately!
For the person with the dog - not recommended, especially with the Ag office right in the building. Yes, there is an area off to the side not directly near the birds, but it IS a bird show, so all of the areas are set-up for them. Unless there's some sort of weird thaw, I wouldn't plan on walking around the building much either - too cold, and as the building is on an open plain with the other halls, the wind is vicious. Best to make a Plan B.
Vendors - yes, there are several vendors for poultry products, and many, many birds for sale - some of the best assortment and quality I've seen. The bird sale area still exists on Sunday, but all of the good stuff will be gone by then. The best way to get the birds you want - this is for any show - is to contact the breeder and make plans to meet them there. That way they can hold birds for you. The product vendors were only there on Saturday for the most part - I remember I wanted to buy something on Sunday, and they had packed up the night before.
Please note: Although the dates are for Saturday and Sunday, most shows are over before 11 am on Sundays. I almost never give visitors the second date, because they don't realize that, and wander in on Sunday after we've all gone home. That date is really for the exhibitors who have to stand around waiting for the awards to be over so we can pack up.
Coop-in is Friday AND Saturday morning. Friday 3-9pm, Saturday 8-9am.
Meet-ups: Last year it was really great to have the BYC table where everyone could meet-up and hang. Roberta and I are not planning on running a table this year. You should bring some chairs, as there are only the food table to sit at. Boy, was I glad to have that chair by the afternoon! There is usually some empty corner people can park themselves to hang out. Just remember, you really can't bring food in, as they have their own vendor for that. Besides, the fries are good.
And, I'm not a newbie, (although I don't yet consider myself an old-timer,) and I'm happy to wear my name tag! I'll be looking for yours!
First - for the person who said they might wear a funky t-shirt if it's not too cold. Good luck with that - you'll have to wear it over your parka. While they attempt to heat the building, it is just too big, there are too many doors opening all day, and it is just too cold. I'm packing heat pockets in my boots this year. You're basically going to be in a large metal ice cave. Dress appropriately!
For the person with the dog - not recommended, especially with the Ag office right in the building. Yes, there is an area off to the side not directly near the birds, but it IS a bird show, so all of the areas are set-up for them. Unless there's some sort of weird thaw, I wouldn't plan on walking around the building much either - too cold, and as the building is on an open plain with the other halls, the wind is vicious. Best to make a Plan B.
Vendors - yes, there are several vendors for poultry products, and many, many birds for sale - some of the best assortment and quality I've seen. The bird sale area still exists on Sunday, but all of the good stuff will be gone by then. The best way to get the birds you want - this is for any show - is to contact the breeder and make plans to meet them there. That way they can hold birds for you. The product vendors were only there on Saturday for the most part - I remember I wanted to buy something on Sunday, and they had packed up the night before.
Please note: Although the dates are for Saturday and Sunday, most shows are over before 11 am on Sundays. I almost never give visitors the second date, because they don't realize that, and wander in on Sunday after we've all gone home. That date is really for the exhibitors who have to stand around waiting for the awards to be over so we can pack up.
Coop-in is Friday AND Saturday morning. Friday 3-9pm, Saturday 8-9am.
Meet-ups: Last year it was really great to have the BYC table where everyone could meet-up and hang. Roberta and I are not planning on running a table this year. You should bring some chairs, as there are only the food table to sit at. Boy, was I glad to have that chair by the afternoon! There is usually some empty corner people can park themselves to hang out. Just remember, you really can't bring food in, as they have their own vendor for that. Besides, the fries are good.
And, I'm not a newbie, (although I don't yet consider myself an old-timer,) and I'm happy to wear my name tag! I'll be looking for yours!
