Saturday was extraordinarily hectic.  The judges decided that they wanted to finish up running the dogs and since we started at 8 AM (due to fog) and there were approximately 130 dogs to run, it was fast paced all day.   Everyone was excited and nervous but the consensus was that it could be done.  The only regret was that there was not enough time or light to carry off the planned closing ceremony that PRC wanted.  (There was to be a parachute jumper carrying the MN flag as well as a “few” plastic alligators floating down to the field!!  Wouldn’t this have been a gas?)  As it was the ceremonies were hurriedly set up and were very nice.

     As I said the day went at a very fast pace.  Test 5 was described before with the exception of the yardage.  The right hand bird was approximately 69 yards, if it fell behind the spit of land and into the water.  The left hand flyer was between 55 and 67 yards.  This bird was not a consistent mark (which flyers aren’t) but it mostly fell either in open water in the channel or behind the weedy water bush, which was where the judges really wanted it.  There was only one bird that fell totally different and the judges gave Susan Shaw a re-run so as not to diminish the work that the dog could do.  There were 2 falls from the right side flyer that actually swam and dove all over the backside of the pond.  The dogs really worked hard to retrieve this but the duck won.  The judges made the decision to judge the dog to the area of the fall.

     We went into the series with 97 dogs in Group A and 63 dogs in Group B.  The final results on the qualifiers were 153.  This group of handlers and dogs were put through very very good and realistic hunting scenarios.  Many comments from them directly to the judges were that considering each and every test the bird placement was fantastic and real.  The usage of the land and terrain was utmost in the minds of the judges and they succeeded.  Since I was on line with all 4 judges all day Saturday (except 1 hour) I know how pleased all the handlers were and was extremely impressed when the majority of them thanked their respective judges for a great time and exceptional testing.

     Throughout all 5 series there were 11 marks, 3 blinds, 2 walk-ups, and 1 honor to get through.  From what I heard only 5 to 6 dogs lined the water blind and a couple of dogs did line the short land blind.   We saw not one “gator” and only a couple of dead snakes on a road. However, Steve did see a snake during set-up on the prison grounds at a site that was not used.  (I wonder why!!)  Of course Steve was totally amazed after trying to hover that Russ Reavis ran up and wanted to know what kind of snake.  We all know there is only one kind of snake!

     Now on to the closing ceremonies.  Sallie Sullivan thanked everyone and announced that Ray Muth will be the next MN president.  The judges were all thanked as were the workers, who some of them traveled great distances just to work.  Without them and all the other handlers who volunteer this event couldn’t take place.  The MN board voted to give Sidney Tidwell the first Clayton Crawford award for the person who contributed the most the event.  I know several people who will swear there were tears in Sidney’s eyes.  It was a great choice to give the plaque to.   Randy Pruitt announced the qualifiers and each one came through the line of MN board members and judges to receive their ribbon, band, and MN plate.  The hospitality committee then gave each one a small glass of Champaign for their accomplishment.   Nancy Tidwell also made a heart felt speech to one person who was there when anyone needed him, worked from dawn to twilight (after we all were gone) and was truly the “man to ask” when help was needed anywhere.  This wonderful person is Ronnie Henderson and we all truly appreciate and thank him.  The handlers all went for their group picture just as the last of the sun’s rays were shining.  It took about an hour or so later to finally drive away.  And as we did so we all felt that this event was the greatest.  There was a feeling of gratification that an event with 283 dogs entered could be handled.   The people of Camden, Lugoff, and Kershaw County were so welcoming and hospitable that words cannot describe.  Plans are in the making for the 2000 MN and some of the “behind the scenes” problems and to carry forth the things that worked and worked well.  One item that I personally will take care of is having my computer set up in the room with me so that the reports to the Internet are written quickly and sent out without having to disrupt anyone else’s lives.

     Many, many thanks to all of you who participated as handlers and workers in whatever capacity.  Each event is in the making for two years and the effort is extraordinary.  Hospitality people work many hours putting together bags, donations, and making sure day-to-day that everyone is taken care of.  Bird throwers and stewards work hard on being right there when the judges need them and taking care that the birds are where they are supposed to be.  The gunners were pretty much dead on and put the birds where the judges needed them for the tests.  The Marshals had every blind filled through out every test and handled situations with tact and diplomacy.  Information and music filled our ears every day from the Sound trucks.   A special thanks to the 4 test dogs, which showed the nervous handlers how the tests should be run.  You all didn’t receive anything but rest assured that you were greatly appreciated.

     A special thank you to Nancy & Sidney who gave us anything we wanted or needed for 14 days.  These two wonderful people worked hard long hours on this and they too had great people to help them.

     There were 2-3 men who were at the sites every morning and stayed most of the day to cook for everyone.  Warden John and Ronnie we thank you for feeding us. It was great food and great conversation.

     Thanks also to Rita French for the plates, hats, pins, clothing, and all the work she does behind the scenes all year long.  If you couldn’t leave the grounds at least you could shop at Rita’s tent.

     Thank you also goes to RFTN, Working Retriever Central and Mary Knapp and Robert Booth for helping to bring our reports to you.  Mary definitely knows what it is like to out in the field all day working and then try to get all the equipment, providers, and information back on-line.  Thanks also to Debbie Tyree Cassiday for the use of her computer and equipment.

     To our judges:  Auggie “Dominator” Argabright, Tim “Puddin’” Patrick, Ron “Dad” Craven, and Steve”Bubba” Elliott—thanks for us 14 hour days throughout rain, wind, sun, and some humidity.  The tests were TERRIFIC and the judging was consistent and fair.  (The nicknames came over the time we were there and have special meaning to us all.  It would take a lot of space to explain how and why they were given.)

     Everyone who attended knows now what Southern Hospitality means and we all thank the people of Kershaw County, South Carolina.