Tips for kids - going to the shows

-Bring babywipes to the shows.  They can clean hands, spills, and bunnies.

-Bring a camping chair because there is a lot of waiting for your rabbit's turn up at the judging tables.

-Home Depot aprons fit kids just right and keep you fur free at rabbit shows.  Just call your local store to find out which Saturday is "project day" for children.  Kids can build something while mom or dad shop. You get a free apron.  Just ask.

-Pajama bottoms worn over 4-H whites keep them clean 'til show time.

-A wooden box or crate carries books, crayons, and portable games to the shows.  Turn it upside down to use as a step stool to put rabbits on the tables and see the judging better.  Use it at home to store your boredom busters in between shows.

-Dry erase boards and markers.  Use them to advertise rabbits for sale or draw on it just for fun.

-Bring extra money to spend at the snack bar and the raffle table ($ usually benefits the local 4H club).

-Bring a little something for the raffle table.  It will always be appreciated.  I like to stock up for the year at the dollar section of Target at Easter time.  For some reason fluffy bunny ears always go over well year round at the raffles.  Hmm.  Go figure.

-Consider bringing homemade items for the raffle.  The most anticipated item at one show's raffle is homemade root beer.  People would have a fit if they didn't see it on the table each year.  They raffle it off by the bottle.  I spend a little extra at this raffle and my kids always rake in at least a dozen bottles but the rule is they have to share with mom and dad.  

-Bring a stamp with your family/rabbitry name on it to mark raffle tickets so your child doesn't have to spend a lot of time handwritting their name on each one.  You can get a "free" one at www.vistaprint.com .

-If your family breeds and sells show stock, consider getting a calling card with your family/rabbitry name on it so your children can give them to anyone who inquires about their rabbits.  My children are short on words so this works out perfectly for them.  Make your own or try www.vistaprint.com for "free" custom cards.  You just pay the shipping cost.  For safety, put your family name on the card, not your child's name.

-Do not bring the family dog to the show no matter how friendly he is.  Most show catalogs state in bold print that they are not allowed.  Respect the rules.  They are in place for the comfort of the rabbits and other show goers.

-Rabbit shows are VERY family friendly but watch your children always!  I can give numerous reasons for this from plucked camelia bushes, to car wrecks just outside the showroom door where children were playing just minutes before.  In today's world we must always keep our children safe from things ranging from scrapes to predators.  'Nuf said.

-The best way to learn more about a breed whether you already show or are looking for a first rabbit is to listen at the judging table.  Have your children stand up close so they can hear.  Ask the judge questions if you have any.  My favorite thing to see at the shows is a judge who teaches.  One visiting judge from Utah took the time to invite a young newbie around to his side of the table and had her put her hands on several rabbits to show her the qualities that she should look for in that breed.  The exhibitors didn't mind at all.  In fact, we all gathered closer so we could hear, too.  LOL.  We all want to learn more.

-Use good show etiquette.  Teach your children what that is.  If you are not sure, ask at the secretaries table.  They are more that happy to help make your show experience a great one.

-If you are looking to buy a rabbit at a show and it is your first time attending a show, consider just browsing, asking questions, and making contacts at the first show and save the buying for another day.  Rabbit shows can be a little overwhelming for a first timer.  Better to go home to soak it all in and go back to buy at another show or buy directly from one particular breeder that you've talked to between shows.

-At a show, before you buy, get a second opinion.  The seller should not be opposed to this.  I always tell people who are considering buying our rabbits to, please, take the rabbit and go get an unbiased opinion if they like.  Another respected exhibitor of the same breed or a  judge on a break may be very helpful in pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of a particular rabbit.  I always ask the potential buyer what the feed back was so I can learn more, too.  I swear I have sold more rabbits this way...