Wednesday, October 10, 2018

2018 NRDC Workers' Party

The traditional mid-week break Workers' Party was held at the Best Western Headquarters hotel and folks arrived after a more relaxing afternoon since the testing had ended mid-afternoon. The Hostess Committee had made the room very welcoming with fall centerpieces and everyone received a free raffle ticket for a drawing of prizes ranging from bumpers and decoys to Retriever News subscriptions.

Chairman Robby Bickley spoke at the podium thanking those in attendance for coming and for all their help over the course of the week. He was careful to mention many folks by name and singled some out for their extra special effort on behalf of the National Derby Club. He specifically thanked our Sponsors without whose generous support, this event could not be as successful. He also thanked Bob and Barbara Hayden who have generously let us use his property for this event last year, this year and for many more years to come.

The raffle prizes were drawn after we had drinks and dinner. Shortly after that, Official Photographer, Deana Wolfe took pictures of the various committees. John Russell emceed the evening with the assistance of Hostess Chair Lori Morgan and worked the crowd to wrap up the raffles which included both Garmin and Dogtra e-collars as well as other assorted gifts. After that, the silent auction pages were gathered up and John announced the people who had won these special items. The silent auction items included bottles of vintage wine, Lucky Lab items, a Retriever News 3-year subscription, a custom Swamp Box cooler, two seminars: one with Pat Burns and the other with Dave Rorem, as well as the most special item of all, a Louisiana Duck hunt, the recipient of which was Charles Bearden, last year's Inaugural National Derby Championship winner.

Several attendees went home with bags of Purina Pro Plan as well as a hat from Dogtra. A good time was had by all and it was a nice party to thank all the volunteers for their help in making this Second Annual Derby Championship a success …















Chairman Robby Bickley


John Russell

BEHIND THE LINE – SCRAPBOOK DAY 3

Please enjoy viewing some scrapbook photos from the 
Third Day of the National Derby Championship …




A view from the top of Swede's Hill



Landowner Robert Hayden and Gunner Dennis Bath




Retriever News goes to great lengths to do the blog coverage – Thank you, Gwen Jones!

BEHIND THE LINE – SCRAPBOOK DAY 2

Please enjoy viewing some scrapbook photos from the 
Second Day of the National Derby Championship …


Gwen Jones … Reporter Extraordinaire!

Becky Eckett – Official Announcer









"The MAT!"



BEHIND THE LINE – SCRAPBOOK DAY 1

Please enjoy viewing some scrapbook photos from the 
First Day of the National Derby Championship …

Grace Goodwin sings the National Anthem






Karl Gunzer from Purina with handler Wayne Stupka



Jeff Lyons signals the gunners

The Marshal's tent




Trick or Treats for EVERYONE!








The Gallery had it MADE in the SHADE!

Deana Wolfe from Deana Wolfe Photography is the NRDC's Official Photographer