ViewFrom TheRoad by Carla Viggiano
The Blue Crab Cluster
There are few shows that come to mind, where it can be said that a full range of evening activities to complement the daytime schedule is offered to the exhibitor. I can think of no other venue that is quite so attentive to the needs of both man and dog as the Blue Crab Cluster held in Bel Alton, Maryland. In a time where it seems that most clubs are cutting back in many areas, the folks that put on the 5 days of events in Southern Maryland have held true to our expectations, and in some cases have exceeded those previously held. For us, the Blue Crab Cluster has become somewhat akin to that annual family get together over the 4th of July weekend- and we look forward to it as such. For the average exhibitor there are any number of Specialties and Supported Entries in a wide variety of breeds. The choice of the various breed clubs to hold them at Bel Alton is due to the Southern Maryland Kennel Club’s and Rock Creek Kennel Club’s diligence and dedication in helping to maintain (and improve) the “exhibitor friendly” location. Indoor rings within well air conditioned buildings welcome breeds that may prefer a climate controlled environment. And for the performance events there are buildings that offer the same in addition to be separated from the conformation events. There is even a stand alone building for four days of Sporting Breed specialties and supported entries. While this alone drives a continuous solid entry in those aforementioned breeds, there is also attention paid to those showing outside. Although the Blue Crab Cluster has a reputation for being held during a period of infamous Maryland heat, large fans continuously circulate air under the tents and children’s wading pools provide relief for those canines who choose to jump right in. Fresh water is readily available throughout the site, for bathing and drinking. And did I mention the indoor toilet facilities (also air conditioned!) which are kept clean and well supplied by the fairground staff. This may seem like a minute detail, but in warm weather this is a big deal for some of us! If this isn’t enough, then there is the ice cream truck. Not just any run of the mill “Good Humor” peddler or “Mr. Ding Dong, “ the frozen delight offered by this gentleman is home made and not to be missed. Flavors ranging from Peanut Butter with Fluff (do you recall that goo-ey
delight of our youth?) to my personal favorite, Coconut Chip- a delectable concoction of vanilla swirled through with chocolate pieces and liberally highlighted by the chewy the delight of coconut. Okay, so I didn’t miss a daily trip to the familiar blue truck, (and I have the extra poundage to prove my dedication) which was wonderfully compounded by the folks at Purina who were kind enough to offer FREE ice cream coupons on one sultry afternoon! But now I’m getting ahead of myself! The first day of the Cluster kicks off with the Potomac Hound Club’s event, chaired by Ms. Ingrid Gleysteen. Welcoming hounds from all over the country, it pulled in an entry of over 200. I was summoned to the entrance of the fairgrounds to photograph the Blessing of the Hounds, prior to the day’s events. Early morning light welcomed a new young huntsman and a couple of other riders from the local hunt club along with a selection of “Marydel” hounds from their pack. Adept with both horn and hounds, I was later informed that this young man had been a competitor in 3 Day Eventing prior to his full time position with the hunt. His balanced seat and comfort from his experience in the field was evident, as the small crowd of spectators were treated to an informal show of the packs ability to work as a group. One particular hound by the name of Mayhem caught my eye with his rollicking attitude, however he was called to order quickly by the young huntsman and his assistants. These dogs were in top condition, well trained and presented in expert manner. It was a joy to watch them and an absolute to treat to behold. The good Reverend blessed the pack and then we were all invited to join him in having our own hounds receive his blessing. Medals of protection were offered to all as the canines received their individual blessings. So the day’s events began... Although the entry may not have been quite as big as in past years, there was quite a bit of depth throughout the classes and into the Breed. Best in Sweeps Judge Mr. Walter Sommerfelt chose his top four from a ring full of gorgeous hounds. His Best in Sweeps winner was a stunning young Basenji bitch bred by Damara Bolte and Jane Lodge and presented by Ms. Lodge. The placements which followed went to another standout young dog, the Plott owned by Amy Dan and Amanda Alexander (who always seems to have some striking examples of the breed) and handled by Corrine Miklos, then a lovely young English Foxhound handled by the very competent Whitney Meeks, and receiving a SG4 was the 13” Beagle owned by Donna and Clifford Craft. The regular Hound Group followed. Judge W. Everett Dean Jr. presided over the ring and found quite of few of the nation’s top hounds from which to make his final placements from. The weather was really quite pleasant (an unusual experience for some of us at this time of the year, in this particular neck of the woods) and both man and beast enjoyed sunny skies and soft breezes as the day’s judging wound down. CONTINUED ON PAGE 74
46 Dog News