Meet the Show Chair – CathyAnn Litwin

Meet the Show Chair – CathyAnn Litwin

Lancaster Kennel Club

I have been showing and occasionally breeding English Cocker Spaniels for about 30 years. I joined the Lancaster Kennel Club in 1992. The club had so many longtime dog people with a wealth of knowledge for this fledgling. I attended as many functions as I could and feel as though those early mentors were my platform to my future success showing and breeding our dogs.

I have held many positions through the years in the club and currently hold a position as the Show Chair for the Red Rose Classic and sit on the Board of Directors. I am very proud of our club. We come together in one unit, but each of us holds different interests in the dog world. In addition to our Red Rose Classic in May, LKC is part of the Celtic Cluster in March, with Fast CAT in June and our Agility Trial in October.

As to my personal interest in dogs, I have 30 Champions that I’ve bred under the prefix of Rockback. My now Veteran girl has a Best in Show, Best in Specialty Show, and many NOHS (National Owner-Handled Series) Bests in Show and Reserve Bests in Show. We’ve enjoyed this journey together. Always Breeder/Owner-Handled.

1. What is the name of your show/cluster?

CathyAnn Litwin: We are the Lancaster Kennel Club – Red Rose Classic.

2. Where are your show(s)/cluster held? When?

CathyAnn Litwin: Our shows are held at the Lebanon Expo Center in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, on the second Saturday in May.

3. How long have you been Show/Cluster Chair?

CathyAnn Litwin: This go-round, I have been the Show Chair for three years.

4. Can you please provide a brief history of your club?

CathyAnn Litwin: Lancaster Kennel Club was founded in 1945, and this year was our 100th show. The club was started by a group of friends interested in purebred dogs.

5. How are the following accommodated at your show(s)/cluster: Parking; Grooming; Bathing, Hospitality; Vendors; Public Education?

CathyAnn Litwin: We have a committee to take care of the parking of cars and RVs. Our hospitality/menu is planned ahead by us and coordinated with the in-house food vendor. Our other vendors are a dog food company and supplement company. Both of these vendors also sponsor our show. Public Education is handled by our PE Committee.

6. Does your show/cluster offer the National Owner-Handled Series? Junior Showmanship? 4-6 Month Beginner Puppy? Best Bred-By? Specialties? Supported Entries?

CathyAnn Litwin: We offer NOHS, Junior Showmanship, and 4-6 Month Beginner Puppy. Currently we have three breeds who have Supported Entries, and one Specialty and one Concurrent Specialty.

7. What about Companion and Performance Events? Obedience? Rally? Agility? Fast CAT? Dock Diving? Other?

CathyAnn Litwin: We hold two Rally Trials during the Red Rose Classic.

8. How are judging panels determined?

CathyAnn Litwin: I choose the judging panels and look for judges who have a passion for the job.

9. Who stewards at your show(s)/cluster?

CathyAnn Litwin: We hire Eastern Stewards to steward our show.

10. Does your club have an active membership? How are you seeking new members?

CathyAnn Litwin: We have about 100 members, and as with most clubs, about 30 percent are very active in the work. We recently have welcomed several new members.

11. How are your show(s)/cluster promoted? TV? Radio? Print? Social Media?

CathyAnn Litwin: Our Media person uses many forms of publications in our area to solicit spectators.

12. What are some of the challenges that you’ve faced as Show/Cluster Chair? What challenges lie ahead?

CathyAnn Litwin: We are a one-day, stand-alone show. It is very important to make the day one that people will remember—and come out again year after year. I am quite proud to say we are growing in numbers!