ANTA/Past Events/Orange County, NY
Revised 02/17/05

ANTA FALL FESTIVAL
OCTOBER 9-10, 2004 -- MONTGOMERY, NY

MRS. DOROTHY DORKINS CONFORMATION JUDGE

Conformation judge for ANTA's 2004 Fall Festival is Mrs. Dorothy Dorkins of "Lomita" kennels in England. She writes:

"I was first introduced to show dogs when my father bought a Bulldog puppy. I remember going to shows with him by train. At the age of 15 years, I bought a white Toy Poodle, taught myself to trim and started to show. I was hooked! In the years that followed, I had great fun and success showing apricot and black Toy Poodles, made up a Champion, and won several reserves.

 

When Nanfan Nectarine joined the household, I was delighted, and even more so when I made him up in 1980. My first bitch was Nanfan Candy Corn. Her descendants are Champions in England, Australia, America and Italy. My first homebred Champion, Lowmita Hazelnut, winner of six CCs and made up in 1982, was something very special.

 

A repeat mating produced the litter sisters Lomita Linnet of Titanium and Lowmita Wren, who both won CCs and RCCs themselves. Liz Parsons made up Ch. Lowmita Kestrel of Elmsgarth, sire of Ch. Jaeva Brown Button, whilst his brother Lowmita Skylark of Shenandi went to America, where he sired one of the top winners, Am. Ch. Hugo's Prancer (BOB Montgomery County in 1989). Prancer went on himself to sire Barbara Miller's top winning Am. Ch. Maxwells Will B Good (BOB Montgomery in 1992 and BOB Westminster in 1993).

 

A very special pet at home is Ch. Nanfan Chit Chat, now nearly 14 years and whom I was thrilled to make up in 1993.

 

I have been awarding CCs to Norfolks since 1990 (and Norwich a few years after). I am judging Norfolks at Crufts this year (2004), an appointment I am very honoured and excited about.)"

The 2004 Fall Festival is the first ANTA event at a new site: Thomas Bull Park, Montgomery, New York!

Thomas Bull Park is located in Orange County New York, about five miles off I-84's Exit 5. It is a truly wonderful site with lots of shade, plenty of open fields, modern, nearby restrooms, and a covered pavilion that is well away from the road. There are electrical hookups and many picnic tables with benches.

FALL FESTIVAL STRIKES WINNING NOTE IN UPSTATE NY LOCATION

This year's Fall Festival was held at the Thomas Bull Memorial Park in Montgomery, NY and to say that a good time was had by all is definitely an understatement. England's Dorothy Dorkins (ably assisted by star ring steward, daughter Gina) presided over an entry exceeding 50 dogs. After a full day of judging, she named her Best Puppy in Show, Peter and Linda Dowdle's Dralion's Beckoning Obsession, as her overall Best in Show winner. The final lineup included the Biffin of Beaufin Dog Stakes winner, Ch. Avalon's First Step, bred and owned by Lori Pelletier; the Merry of Beaufin Bitch Stakes winner, Conair Hedgeriam, bred and owned by Joanne Condron, and the Best Adult in Match, Ben Kelev's Inherit the Wind, bred and owned by Carol Falk.

That all the dogs in final consideration were handled by their breeder/owners is testament to strong breeding programs by individuals who truly care for the well being of the breed.

Thomas Bull Memorial Park is a lovely venue, and it comes complete with a covered pavilion that serves a variety of purposes. From breakfast on Saturday, provided by ANTA, through the Saturday breed judging, to a wonderful dinner at the nearby arboretum that evening, all attendees benefited from event planner Cathie Heimbach's marvelous attention to detail.

Our events on Sunday turned to sporting activities, including lure coursing, flat racing, and an introduction to earth work. Also on the schedule was an obedience demonstration conducted by Mary Fine and Bev Kerrigan. A special highlight this year was an appearance by Ch. Flashback Postmark, MX, MXJ, JE (aka "Stamp") who is owned by Sassie and Celine Jouris. Stamp has a thriving acting career in film and commercials, and he wowed the crowd by demonstrating his ability to walk a tightrope in front of the NYC skyline, as well as a variety of other skills.

The site of Fall Festival proved so popular that we will return to the same location next year. Plan now to join us October 15th and 16th, 2005.

Corinne Folger with auction and raffle items (Vallie Beckwith Photo)

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