Below you will find the planned schedule of events for the 2012 AWPGA National Specialty to be held in Sioux Falls SD, Oct 25-28, 2012.  Also watch for more information about the inaugural AWPGA Korthals Cup field competition to be held Oct 27-28 just 3 miles from the show site.  Note to those planning on spending extra time in South Dakota:  make your room reservations now, especially if you want to stay in prime hunting areas. See the “Other Information” section for more about hunting. 

ThursdayOctober 25, 2012

Handlers Clinic: 8:00 AM – 5:15 PM. Learn from two of the top field trainers in the country – - Larry Woodward and Bill Jensen. This clinic will provide valuable information for people of all experience levels who are interested in learning more about field training, with emphasis on the Natural Ability test.

Welcome Reception:  6 PM – 10 PM at host hotel. Gather with your fellow Griffonniers and enjoy time spent with friends, old and new.  Hors d’oeuvres provided.  Cash bar available.

Friday October 26, 2012

Specialty Show, Obedience, and Rally:  Specialty show held in conjunction with the Sioux Empire Kennel Club all-breed show (Onofrio is the superintendent).  Specialty Judge: Joy Brewster.     Please consider sponsoring a trophy.  Contact Meghan Vos at lovesgriffs@yahoo.com.   Thank you 

AWPGA Annual Meeting:  to follow the Specialty, approximately 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM at the host hotel, which is only 2.5 miles from the show site.

Judge’s Education:  to be held  30 minutes after Best in Show (estimated times are 4:30 – 6:00 PM); location is the Sioux Empire Kennel Club building, which is on the fairgrounds near the show site.

AKC Sanctioned B Match:  Friday evening, sponsored by Sioux Empire Kennel Club.  Ages 3 months up to 18 months; no AKC champions or major pointed dogs can enter.  Professional handlers allowed only if handling their own dog. More info will be provided in the premium.

Pizza Party and Informal Social: Friday evening at the host hotel, starting at around 7:30 PM.  Relax with friends and enjoy “Griff talk” after a busy day.  Pizza will be ordered, pay as you go.

Saturday October 27, 2012

Supported Entry, Obedience, and Rally:   held in conjunction with the Sioux Empire Kennel club all-breed show.

Shotgun Shooting Techniques Seminar:  3:00 – 4:30 PM.  Whether you are a first-time shooter or an experienced hunter interested in shooting more birds, this fun and educational program is for you. Learn about gun fit, mount, stance, lead and other techniques that are essential for shotgun shooting success.

Korthals Cup:  8:00 AM until late afternoon; this is the first day of the AWPGA’s inaugural Korthals Cup competition, located approximately 3 miles from the show site. It presents a unique opportunity to see some incredible Griffs in the field.

Lunch at the Korthals Cup site:  approximately noon.  Enjoy a lunch at the test site with the KC Cup participants, workers, and other AWPGA members.  Bring your own chair.

AWPGA Banquet:  6:00 PM social, dinner at 7:00 followed by awards and auction; to be held at host hotel.  AWPGA members and invited guests. Specialty and Korthals Cup participants can enjoy an evening with fellow Griffonniers.   Please consider donating an auction or raffle item – – contact Ruth Vogel at glimrvogel@aol.com 

Sunday October 28, 2012

Supported Entry, Obedience, and Rally:  held in conjunction with the Sioux Empire Kennel club all-breed show.

Korthals Cup:  second day of the inaugural Korthals Cup competition, located approximately 3 miles from the show site.