Interview with Nancy Clendenen, Chairperson of the D’arbonne Kennel Club
1. What is the name of your show/cluster?
Nancy Clendenen: Our show is the D’Arbonne Kennel Club.
2. Where are your shows held? When?
Nancy Clendenen: Our shows are held at the Parish Expo Center in mid-April.
3. Can you please provide a brief history of your club?
Nancy Clendenen: The club started about 1979. (We still have as members several who have been members since the beginning.) We offered Conformation and Obedience competition until 2020, but we’ve since decided to no longer offer Obedience. Until 2020, we had been together with the Shreveport KC in a cluster, but unfortunately, we lost the building so ended up moving our show to Ruston, Louisiana. Shreveport decided not to move.
4. How are the following accommodated at your show/cluster: Parking; Grooming; Bathing; Hospitality; Vendors; Public Education?
Nancy Clendenen: We have plenty of parking, which is free. For grooming, we have over 100 stalls that can be rented. We also have an open, free grooming area. All of these are under permanent cover and have electric. A bathing area is set up at horse wash racks with tubs and hoses provided. We have an excellent concession stand, with the usual and amazing chicken spaghetti. There’s space under cover for about 6-8 vendors with electric provided. We also provide an introduction for new exhibitors.
5. Does your show/cluster offer the National Owner-Handled Series? Junior Showmanship? 4-6 Month Beginner Puppy? Best Bred-By? Specialties? Supported Entries?
Nancy Clendenen: We offer Junior Showmanship and 4-6 Month Beginner Puppy. At this time, we do not offer Best Bred-By, Specialties or Supported Entries.
6. How are judging panels decided? Who stewards at your show(s)/cluster?
Nancy Clendenen: A Judges’ Committee decides on the panel. Members are asked for recommendations. The Dallas Stewards Club works our show.
7. Are Breed Seminars and Judges Education offered?
Nancy Clendenen: These are not offered at this time.
8. How are your show(s)/cluster promoted? TV? Radio? Print Media? Social Media?
Nancy Clendenen: Our show is promoted by word-of-mouth, mostly. We have had the same dates for at least 15 years, so folks know when it will be. Social media is somewhat used.
9. What are some of the challenges that you’ve had to face as show/cluster chair?
Nancy Clendenen: We have had judges dropping dead right before a show or canceling because of sickness. On the whole, however, it has gone well for years.
10. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, what have you and your club members learned about putting on a dog show? What, if any, are the differences from previous years and how are you planning for the future?
Nancy Clendenen: The biggest thing is getting used to our new show site. Otherwise, not much has changed.
“Our show is promoted by word-of-mouth, mostly. We have had the same dates for at least 15 years, so folks know when it will be.”
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