After editing hundreds of photos, we're finally ready to show everyone what an awesome show we had over the Memorial Day weekend in 2014! People came from as far away from Arizona and New York to show their dogs, and a wonderful time was had by all.
This was our first time using the beautiful Purina Farms Event Center. The Event Center opened in 2010, and we shot some photos of it and the surrounding areas to help you feel like you were there! As you drive up the long loop you see the Event Center, perched at the top of the highest hill on the farm, above. Below, the entrance.
The view from the top of the hill, where the Event Center is. The green buildings are the Purina Visitor's center, and the complex includes Agility areas and a dock diving pool!
The view slightly to the left includes one of the many RV parking areas and--if you look you can see the stadium lights--there is an outdoor lighted show/events field beyond. Purina Farms encompasses hundreds of acres of land and there is also a "barn" for terrier working trials, many other open areas for outdoor events, and a sheep herding field! Purina keeps its own flock available for herding events. "Sheepapalooza" was going on while we were there!
The entrance to the Employee areas of the Farms.
At the bottom of the hill is one of the oldest buildings on the site, one of the original research center buildings. Purina established the first-ever pet nutrition and care center at Purina Farms in 1926.
Purina's pretty serious about keeping things clean...
The Event Center has its own on-site cafe! Look, there's even a shepherd on the outside. ;) In the interior shot, you can see that the far wall is glassed, so you can sit and eat your lunch and watch the show action in the Great Hall!
Inside the Event Center, there are two halls. The Great Hall is an amazing 45,000 square feet, more than three times larger than the smaller Gateway Hall, and the floors are fully finished, though matting is still put down for events. Purina even provides artificial turf for Agility events! My photo is blurry but hopefully gives you an idea of the immense size.
In the smaller of the two, the Gateway Hall, 13,500 square feet, we had our show!! Here we are setting up while Blazie and Kyrie from Sparta Shilohs hang out!
The chairs are set up...
...and the table for the ribbons and trophies! Thanks to Deb and Mel from Riverwind Shilohs for bringing the awards and setting them out!
Big thanks to Yuri and his people, Jerry and Tina, for helping us set up the chairs and tables. And also for taking so many great photos, many of which you're about to see!
Purina Farms has a loudspeaker system. Anne Becker opens the ceremonies Saturday morning!
Before the show starts, our two judges teach a Handling Class! Experienced people with new dogs and many people brand-new to showing take advantage of top-notch education. Here are some photos!
Between Show 1 and Show 2 we had an auction to benefit both Chapters who helped to fund the event: CSSC and MAC. Anne and Maya both tried to entertain and to strip the attendees of their cash for a good cause! ;) Below, the ladies choose their next lot up on the block:
Maya models one of many doggie items up for grabs:
The crowd, waiting to bid! Even the judges got in on the action!
The auction raised over a thousand dollars to help offset the cost of renting such a wonderful venue. A big thanks to EVERYONE!
Thank you for reading our introduction--next up, we'll have show shots, win pics, and candid photos of the many people and dogs attending! Stay tuned!!
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