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2009 New England Show
May 29-30, 2009
Middlesex Community College
Bedford, MA

Location   |   Officials   |   Results, Photos & Video

Location

Middlesex Community College
Bedford, MA

Directions

The college and hotel are both off Exit 27, US Route 3 North. From the ramp, head toward Bedford. The hotel is on the left at the last set of lights on the bridge. To the college, continue through the lights, turn left on Springs Road (following signs), left again at flashing light, and right into the driveway. The show is held in the Cafeteria, Building 8, the Campus Center Building.

Hotels

We have booked a block of rooms at a rate of $85.00 per night at:

Courtyard by Marriott
270 Concord Road
Billerica, MA 01821
Caged animals are allowed in rooms, no pet fee
978-670-7500

The hotel is a short drive from the college.

Bedford, MA is the low-priced hotel capital of the Boston area. Other hotel options include the Bedford Plaza Hotel (home of the 2007 show), the Bedford Motel and many other hotel chains in Bedford or neighboring Billerica.

Show Hours:

Friday, 5-9pm
Saturday, 8 am - 6 pm

Admission Fee

$2 per person, $10 family max

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Officials

Show Coordinator: Libby Hanna
Animal Health Inspectors:
  Donna Anastasi (NE)
  Libby Hanna (NE)
  Amy Paben (NW)
  Christine Stys (NE)
  Rebecca Azer (NE)
  Volunteer!
Show Secretary: Jo Kelley
On-site Show Secretaries: Steve and Ruth Hanna
Judges:
  Libby Hanna (NE)
  Donna Anastasi (NE)
  Amy Paben (NW)
  Kylee Dickey (MW)
  Judi Poirier (NE)
  Kelly Johnson (MW)
Probationary Judges:
Pet Class & Gerbil Olympics Judges (Sat):
  Judith Block
  AGS Youth Volunteers

Show Highlights

Hall of Champions

Meet a group of our honored AGS Champion gerbils, hear about their show careers and learn what made them the winners that they are!

Pet Class

In order to better serve the traditionally large public turn-out, we will break the Pet Class into two segments. The morning class (11:30 am-12:30 pm) is targeted toward younger children (ages 8 & under) and uses our traditional "Best Whiskers" format to acknowledge the things that make each gerbil special with a blue ribbon for every gerbil. The afternoon segment (1:30-3:30) will feature a Mock Show for gerbils owned by kids ages 9 & up. Trained AGS Asst. Judges (youth members ages 11 and up who have taken Judges' Training) will award 1st, 2nd and 3rd place Pet Class ribbons to pet gerbils, judging them by color class using the AGS Standards, exactly like the breed show. The Jr. Judges will describe the characteristics of the winning gerbils. This mock show will be an excellent chance for older children interested in showing gerbils to learn what makes a winning gerbil in a less-competitive, educational event.

Register for Pet Class.

Meet the Authors!

Holly Robinson Cookson appears with copies her brand-new book, The Gerbil Farmer's Daughter, which tells the story of America's largest and most successful gerbil farm. Kirkus Reviews writes: "Journalist Robinson cheerfully recalls growing up with a closeted gerbil-breeder....It's a scenario that could have been lifted from a 1960s sitcom, but Robinson invests the narrative with pathos, good-natured moments of absurdity and plenty of keen humor....Daffy yet sweet and affecting." A remarkable story in the history of our beloved pets told with sparkling humor and affection!

Michael Delaney, author of the popular children's book Obi, Gerbil on the Loose, will be on hand to meet show visitors who have enjoyed reading the adventures of Obi the gerbil as she deals with her newfound freedom. The School Library Journal writes: "readers feel Obi's terror, joy, and surprise, which are all written with a sense of fun...appeal for younger and reluctant readers. This is a laugh-out-loud story." Share your ideas for Obi sequels!

Unstandardized Gerbil “Meet Up”

Calling all DPP's and other interesting, unstandardized color gerbils! We'll have an unofficial meet-up and comparison of some unstandardized colors and patterns at this show. Bring along your interesting new specimens and share the news with your fellow members.

Photo Contest

Can't come to the show in person? Send in a photo of your gerbil and we'll let the visiting public choose a winner! Email your photo to Diane Nott to be included in a day of show display!

Silent Auction & Raffle

Beautiful craft items, useful gerbil supplies, adorable novelties and more, to benefit the AGS! In past years we have had wonderful items from books to jewelry to quilts to gerbil supplies. We need a coordinator for these events and your donations as well! Coordinator: Diane Nott

Exotic Pet Visitors

Rebecca Azer of Gerbil Parade will speak about rabbit care and the joy of owning a bunny. Meet Elvis and hear all about how much a fun a bunny can be!

Printable Flyer

Hang up this printable flyer to advertise the show!

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Schedule

Friday, May 29th
5:00-9:00 pm	Set-up Health inspections
Saturday, May 30th
8-10 am	Health inspections
10:30 am	Show Call: All gerbils who will compete in the show should be placed on the judging tables. (Please check the Show Rules & Regulations page ahead of time to make sure that your gerbils have the proper size of show carrier. Also, remember to provide each gerbil in the show with a source of moisture/water, such as a piece of carrot or a grape.)
10:30-11:00	Judges' meeting and lunch.
11 am	Judging starts Floor inspection Open to the Public
11:30 am-12:30 pm	Pet Class I - for kids 8 & under Hamtrack races Tube chew races
1:30-3:30 pm	Pet Class II - Mock Show - for kids 9 & up AGS Youth Asst. Judges will judge pet gerbils using Exhibition Format. Hamtrack races Tube chew races
3:30 pm	Photo contest & People's Choice Award announcements.
4:00 pm	Meet the Champions! Our AGS Youth will introduce a number of living champions and demonstrate what made them winners!
4:30 pm	Raffle & Auction results.
5 pm	Public Admissions Close
6-6:30 pm	Show Results Champion & Breeder Certificate Presenations Group Photo Dinner in the Show Hall Unstandardized Gerbil Meet-Up

       

Photos from New England Show 2008

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