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.    Many events are open to non-AWPGA members, too -  – see each event’s description.

NEWS FLASH:  A South Dakota pheasant hunt will be auctioned at the Saturday evening banquet!  Check back for more details.

8/6/12 – The South Dakota 2012 Hunting Atlas is now available at http://www.gfp.sd.gov/hunting/areas/maps/

Interested in volunteering to help with the Specialty?  Contact Kay Farris: kfarris23@knology.net  605-251-1019

Interested in volunteering to help with the Korthals Cup event?  Contact Guy Ray: guyray@bellsouth.net   662-455-6615

ThursdayOctober 25, 2012

Handlers Clinic: 8 AM – 5:15 PM at field site near Sioux Falls.  $35.00. 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.  Limited to 25 participants, with priority given to AWPGA members, open to non-members if limit of 25 is not reached with member registration. Note: participants will not run their dogs.  Refer to the general Specialty information for details about the clinic.

Welcome Reception:  6 PM – 10 PM at host hotel. $22.00. Gather with your fellow Griffonniers and enjoy assorted Hors D’oeuvres.  Cash bar.  Pick up pre-ordered logo items.  Open to both AWPGA members and non-members.

Friday October 26, 2012

Specialty Show, Obedience, and Rally:  Specialty show held in conjunction with the Sioux Empire Kennel Club all-breed show. 

Superintendent: Onofrio  www.onofrio.com  

Specialty Judge: Joy Brewster.    Sweepstakes Judge: Kathy Rust.

Specialty will be videoed and DVDs can be pre-ordered.        

Please consider sponsoring a trophy.  Contact Meghan Vos at lovesgriffs@yahoo.com  920-858-0993   Thank you!  Also see the Trophy Sponsor form under the “Events” menu of this web site.

AWPGA Annual Meeting:  The meeting will start at 1:30 PM or 30 minutes after the Parade of Titleholders class is complete, whichever is later.  Location is the Ramkota Hotel (host hotel), which is only 2.5 miles from the show site.  Please attend — we need everyone’s participation to achieve a quorum and conduct club business.  AWPGA members only

Judge’s Education:  To be held 30 minutes after Best in Show (approx time 4:30 PM – 6 PM).  Location is the Sioux Empire Kennel Club building, which is on the fairgrounds near the show site. The seminar educates judges on what to look for in a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, and is also helpful for anyone who wants to learn more about the breed. $10.00 pre-registered/$15.00 at the door.  Open to both AWPGA members and non-members.

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.  Open to both AWPGA members and non-members.

Saturday October 27, 2012

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

Shotgun Shooting Techniques Seminar:  3 PM – 4:30 PM at the host hotel.  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. Refer to the general Specialty information for details about the seminar.  Open to both AWPGA members and non-members.

Korthals Cup:  8 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.  Also a chance to visit with some of the best Griff trainers in North America!  The Korthals Cup will be videoed and DVDs can be pre-ordered.

Lunch at the Korthals Cup site:  Approximately noon. $10.00. Enjoy a lunch at the test site with the KC Cup participants, workers, and other AWPGA members.  Bring your own chair, if possible.  Open to both AWPGA members and non-members.

AWPGA Banquet:  6 PM social, dinner at 7 PM followed by awards and auction. $38.00. Location is the host hotel.  AWPGA members and their invited guests welcome. Specialty and Korthals Cup participants can enjoy an evening with fellow Griffonniers.  The Charles Kushner Memorial Trophy (perpetual trophy) will be awarded to the Specialty’s “Best Bred by Exhibitor”.

Please consider donating an auction or raffle item – – contact Ruth Vogel at glimrvogel@aol.com  515-991-6991   Thanks!

Sunday October 28, 2012

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

Korthals Cup:  Second day of the inaugural Korthals Cup competition, located approximately 3 miles from the show site.  Also a chance to visit with some of the best Griff trainers in North America!

Lunch (includes wild game) at the Korthals Cup site:  Approximately noon. $10.00. Enjoy a lunch, including wild game, at the test site with the Korthals Cup participants, workers, and other AWPGA members.  Bring your own chair, if possible.  Open to both AWPGA members and non-members

Contact Greg Curtis to donate game for this lunch: earmtngriffons@gmail.com  or 406-466-2644