Welome to our Show!

The Chickadee Cat Club is proud to present the 2nd ACFA Championship & Household Pet Cat Show. Open to both purebred cats and household pets, including alters, this six ring event is the only one of its kind in New Brunswick. This year we welcome six judges, hailing from Kentucky, Iowa, Florida, Missouri, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia. In keeping with its theme of “Cats Helping Cats”, this year's Benefit Organization is the Kindness Club, which will receive a portion of the gate proceeds.

Last year’s event drew approximately 2500 spectators and nearly 100 cats from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, P.E.I., and as far away as Ontario and Maine. Over 30 booths showcased local cat/animal welfare organizations (e.g. S.P.C.A.’s, Kindness Club, Ca-R-Ma) as well as many cat-themed vendors. A very successful raffle and silent auction, family entertainment, such as The Cat in the Hat, face painting, and a display of artwork by local children were also highlights. We are anticipating an even bigger and better show this year.

Besides being an opportunity for cat-lovers to gather together and show off their pets, this event is a chance to learn about cats and responsible pet ownership. In particular, breeders in the region are working hard to raise public awareness of acceptable breeding practices, in hopes of reducing both “kitten mills” and the number of unwanted pets. Come meet with registered, responsible breeders, who can help you choose your perfect pet, or adopt one of the wonderful pets available from local animal shelters. Many of the cats exhibited in the household pet division (including last year's winner) were originally rescued from shelters. With love and care they have become prized - and prize-winning - family members.

Event Details

Host: Chickadee Cat Club
When: Saturday, June 6, 2009, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Capital Exhibit Centre (FREX), 339 Smythe Street, Fredericton, NB

How to use the blog...

For those of you new to "blogging", a blog is a bit different from a traditional web site. Each time a new post is listed, it will appear at the top of the page. To view older posts, you will need to keep scrolling down. The seven most recent posts are displayed. If you need one older than that, just scroll to the Blog Archive list at the bottom of the right hand column. It contains links to all previous blog listings. Clicking on a month will bring up all the postings.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Pet Memorials

This is just a very brief post to let you know that again this year, a portion of the show Spectator Program is being dedicated to remembering the little souls we have loved and lost. If you would like to honour the memory of your pet by placing a memorial in the program there are several formats available, ranging from a one-line tribute (45 characters), up to a full 6"x7" page (even including a photo, if you wish). If you would like to publicly remember your companion in this way, please contact Sherry at spellerin@hotmail.com for pricing and formatting information.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Entry Forms

As promised, here are the last two forms you will need to register for the cat show. The first link will take you to the Chickadee Cat Club's Entry Summary form. This lists all of the entry fees for exhibiting cats and other associated costs. The second link will take you to the ACFA Show Entry Form. If you are entering a single cat, you need to fill out one of each form. For multiple entries, just fill out the Chickadee Cat Club's form once, but EACH CAT will need to have an ACFA form filled out. As always, if you need a hand there are lots of experienced people waiting to help you.
CCC 2009 Entry Summary Form 2009-01-28
ACFA Entry Form 2009-01-28

Monday, February 23, 2009

Hot off the Presses! Download show flyers & posters here.

Good morning, everyone! Now that we have our final ring sponsor (thanks to Victor's Grooming Place!) we can get our show posters and entry forms out. Click on the links below to see the documents. The first and second links take you to the Spectator Poster (in 2 sizes - 8.5 x 14, and 11 x 17). The third and fourth links take you to versions of the Show Flyer for "local" and "distant" people. Show entry forms will follow in another posting soon.

All the links will take you to www.scribd.com, where you can download the pdf files.

CCC_2009_Show_Spectator_Poster_-_8.5x14_2009-02-21
CCC_2009_Show_Spectator_Poster_-_11x17_2009-02-21
CCC_2009_Show_Flyer_-_Local_2009-02-21[1]
CCC_2009_Show_Poster_-_Distant_2009-02-21
Please let us know if you have any problems downloading the documents. If you have questions about how to fill in the forms, or which poster you should be putting up in your area, just let us know.

Friday, February 20, 2009

A tiny update...

Preparations continue for the Show, which is creeping up on us, slowly but surely! Perhaps the most exciting news is that we have secured our final ring sponsor - stay tuned for the big announcement of who it is. This is great news, since not only are all six rings now sponsored, but this allows us to kick our promotion into high gear. We've been waiting for the last generous folks to join us so we can finalize our posters and really start getting the word out. Part of the benefit of being a ring sponsor is that you get your logo on our poster, which goes from one end of the province to the other (and beyond!). As soon as the poster is ready to roll it will be posted here (I'll remove the other one, so I don't confuse people). It would be tremendously helpful if you could print some off and start leaving a trail of publicity behind you. For all of our friends who are not from the Fredericton area, we would really like your help getting the word out as well. Last year we had visitors from as far away as Quebec, Maine, and all over the Atlantic region. Just because the show isn't in your town doesn't mean it isn't worthwhile to promote it.



Also, just a brief reminder that the Club will be meeting this Sunday afternoon at the New Maryland Centre. It's our AGM, so there isn't a guest speaker, but we do need your votes and we want to fill you with snacks. If the food and Club business won't get you out, please consider coming to meet "Emily" (pictured above, but you really should see her "in action"). Formerly known as "Domino", she was adopted from the Fredericton S.P.C.A. through the Douglas Animal Hospital in December. Emily has a condition know as "Tumblers" or cerebellar hypoplasia. She's mostly fine, but she looks permanently "tipsy". At our March meeting Dr. Krista Foreman from South Paw Animal Hospital will be speaking to us about Special Needs Cats. Emily might not be able to make that meeting, so she's going to come out a month early to meet the Club. If you'd like to check out a video of some kitties with this condition, please follow this link to one of many youtube videos people have posted of their special kitties.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJQG6V1MOVY

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Only 115 Days to Go...

It sounds like a lot, but when you're putting on an event of this size, those 115 days are going to slip right by!

We are almost ready to start accepting entries for this year's show. The entry forms should be available very, very soon, and when they are, they will be posted here. For someone who has never exhibited before, it can seem a bit scary to sign up for a show. To help ease the worry, one of the activities planned for the near future is a Cat Show Information Workshop. This is designed for all you first-timers out there who aren't sure what to expect from a cat show. We want you (and your kitty) to have some paws-on experience with what the set-up is like, what the show cages are like, and to have a chance to talk to experienced exhibitors BEFORE the big day.

The Workshop is going to be held at the Barking Lot at 880 Hanwell Road, in Fredericton, NB, on Saturday, March 28, from 2-4 pm. Because space is limited, we are asking people to register in advance, although there is no charge. Please contact Bev Amos for more information, or to register.

One of the other early things you can do is help us get the word out. If anyone is traveling within the Atlantic region (or even as far as Ontario, Quebec and Maine) and would be willing to put up some posters in appropriate places (vets, pet stores, wherever!) along the way, please let us know. You can print off show posters from the blog, or contact Bev or Jen for some pre-printed ones. For example, Jen is going to Bangor, ME and PEI in the next couple of months, and will be taking a stack of posters with her to distribute. If you want to go easier on the trees and have a favorite online site that you think should list our event, just let Jen know. All we ask is that you keep us posted on your postering activities so 1) we aren't duplicating efforts, and 2) we can do our best to take them down after the event. Don't worry if the timing of your trip seems early - it's better early than never! Last year we had exhibitors from Ontario, Maine, and all over the Maritimes, so we're hoping to get them back, plus a bunch more!

Thursday, February 5, 2009

What is a cat show and what do I do there?

It's finally here - show day! You walk into a huge show hall at 7:30 a.m., and are greeted by row upon row of empty cages and vacant judging rings. There is excitement in the air as kitties and their people start to roll in... Speaking from experience, I know that exhibiting at your first cat show can be a bit nerve-wracking. However, if you are mentally and physically prepared for this very busy day, both you and your cat will have a fantastic experience.

The ACFA has some very useful resources describing what to expect at a show, and how to prepare. Follow these links to view their articles "How Do Cat Shows Work" and "The Cat Show".

These articles will tell you what to expect from the day, what to bring with you, and how judging and awards work. Consider bringing a friend to help you on show day. This will be especially important for the novice exhibitor with multiple cats (Thanks, Mom!). Cat show people are friendly and helpful. Don't hesitate to ask more experienced exhibitors or show staff for help.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Useful documents and show information


Good afternoon, Everyone,

As they become available, I will upload things like entry forms, show rules, advertising forms and the like. As my first attempt, here is the most recent version of the show poster. If any of the documents are changed or updated, I will do my very best to note it.

If you would like to have your cat (purebred or household pet) accumulate points from participating in shows, he or she needs to be registered with the ACFA (this can be done AFTER the show). Save half off the price of registering your cat by becoming a member. Follow this link to find the necessary forms: http://www.acfacat.com/forms.htm

Welcome!


The Chickadee Cat Club is proud to present the 2nd ACFA Championship and Household Pet Cat Show - “Birds of a Feather Flock Together Again”, to be held Saturday, June 6, 2009. The show is open to both purebred cats and household pets, including alters, and is a professionally judged, six ring event. This year’s judges will be coming from Kentucky, Iowa, Florida, Missouri, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia. In keeping with its theme of “Cats Helping Cats”, each year the Chickadee Cat Club chooses a cat or animal welfare organization as a “Benefit Organization”, which will receive a portion of the gate proceeds. This year’s organization is the Kindness Club (last year it was the Fredericton and Oromocto S.P.C.A.’s spay/neuter assistance programs, S.N.I.P

Last year’s event - the only one of its kind in New Brunswick - drew approximately 2500 spectators and nearly 100 cats. Exhibitors brought cats from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, P.E.I., and as far away as Ontario and Maine. There were over 30 booths set up at the show, which included cat/animal welfare organizations (e.g. S.P.C.A.’s, Kindness Club, Ca-R-Ma), as well as many cat-themed vendors, and a very successful raffle and silent auction. Family entertainment, such as The Cat in the Hat, face painting, and a display of artwork by local children were also highlights. We are anticipating an even bigger and better show this year.

Besides being an opportunity for cat-lovers to gather together and show off their pets, this event is a chance to educate the public about cats, responsible pet ownership/breeding, and cat-related products. In particular, breeders in the region are working hard to raise public awareness of acceptable breeding practices, in hopes of reducing both “kitten mills” and the number of unwanted pets. This presents the public with the opportunity to meet with a number of registered, responsible breeders, who can help them choose their perfect pet. It also showcases the wonderful pets available from local animal shelters, as a great number of cats exhibited in the household pet division were originally rescued from shelters. With love and care they have become prized (and prize-winning!) family members.