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.
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| Putting the finishing touches on the Raffle and Auction items |
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| The Auctioneer.... |
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| Dorothy Ruehman sings "America The Beautiful." |
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| MNRC President Gloria Mundell welcomes the crowd. |
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| Gloria introduces Jeff Oakes, General Manager of Flint Oak Lodge |
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Frank Barton and "Delta"
|
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| Larry Kimble, Hunting Test Chairman |
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| Bill Teague, Corporate Sponsor Liaison |
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| The impending storm approaches... |
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| The Kress family seeks shelter!! |
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| In Kansas, they wear sunflowers as halos. |
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Miss Emma strikes again ... Even in dry Kansas!
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