2013 MNRC Blog: Master National Opening Ceremonies

At 5:30 pm, we found the tent filling up with contestants and a steady stream of cars and dog trucks filing up the winding drive. The massive tent was arranged with large round tables with green tablecloths and a wrought iron Labrador for a centerpiece. Beverage stations were located at either end of the tent. The group of people were laughing, renewing friendships and becoming anxious for the starting draw. At 6:30 pm, President Gloria Mundell welcomed us to the 2013 Master National and invited Bill Teague for the convocation. The prayer was followed by a rendition of “America The Beautiful” sung by Dorothy Reuhman.

Gloria then introduced the General Manager of Flint Oak, Mr. Jeff Oakes. He explained that this had been planned for four years in conjunction with the Master National Retriever Club Board of Directors and the Sunflower Retriever Club. He then welcomed the group to the Lodge property and began to describe the facilities, amenities and rules. He requested that the vehicles stay on the pavement, adhere to the speed limit and follow all of the rules.

The Board of Directors and the Judges were introduced next. Bill Teague returned to the podium in his role as Corporate Sponsor Liaison. He told the audience that through donations of cash and in-kind products, this year’s Sponsors have collectively donated over one hundred thousand dollars.

Frank Barton and his dog Double Down Delta Blues “Delta” began the selection process for the starting dog in each flight. After Delta retrieved the bumpers, the starting Number 128 was announced. The handler in each flight who has this number, will receive a special hat that says “I ran first at the 2013 Master National,” which they will get to keep unless they have a no-bird.

The podium divided the many auction items in half with a drawing by raffle ticket on one side and the silent auction on the other. A lot of interest was generated by the varied selection of items to purchase or bid on. After dinner, there was a live auction. As the predicted rain storm blew in, the employees of Flint Oak quickly put the sides on the tent.