Newcomer to the National
by Gary Tom
First published in the PAS newslettervolume 5, number 1, January 1998.
I'd long been told the "National" was the show of the year. So it waswith great anticipation that I set off on November 20, 1997 bound forDenver. The "mile-high" city, home of Coors beer and Molly Brown (theunsinkable).
I was pleased to find (finally) a spacious and well laid out bird showfilled with, to my knowledge, over 2000 birds of the finest qualityand of infinite variety. There were a few retail booths and also somespecialty club booths.
American Singers enjoyed a location in the main building of the hoteloff of the atrium. The holding area was roomy and masterfullycontrolled by Jessie Durkin. The judging room was of an equal sizewith adequate seating and great acoustics and a fine lighting set-upby Bill Summers. Judge Judy Snider very efficiently judged the entryof approximately 160 birds from far and near. Best-in-Show went toBob McGuire. I only wish all our shows could be in such "cushy"surroundings.
Happily, for me and Pacific American Singers, I discovered first-handwhat had been stated before: Our birds are on a par with those inother parts of the country. I did hear a really lovely flute notedelivered in a "fluttering" fashion which was very delightful and soonto be heard here also, I hope.
The biggest thrill for me was the showing of our birds and especiallythe time spent with some of the newcomers to American Singers. Theirthirst for knowledge was, I hope, partly quelled by the long visits weshared. I hope they will embark upon a long-lived hobby with greatexcitement and anticipation for the birds whose beauty and song we'vedecided to dedicate ourselves to and love.
As a judge for the ASC, it really was a pleasure to act as a goodwillambassador and to inspire new fanciers to our hobby. I only hope itwas so.
In closing, I don't want to forget saying how very thrilled I was tomeet some of the "old guard" of the ASC as well as judges, officers,and breeders whose names are behind the pedigrees of our birds outwest. It truly was a bird keeper's trip to "Mecca".