Make Mapaca A 2 Day Show !!
To the MAPACA BOD, The MAPACA Jubilee is a must do in the Northeast region of the alpaca world. In 2008, we saw record breaking numbers of 1700 animals registered under Wayne Robinson's leadership. However due to economic changes, competing events and industry focus, registration last year was much, much less. The show dragged on and was not a happy place to be. I personally stood at the gate after last call for 15 - 20 minutes waiting to show which makes a bad experience for the alpacas and exhibitors. Sunday could not come quick enough for me to pack up and go home. The building was a ghost town by 11AM Sunday morning. I believe there are several compelling reasons to make this a 2 day show: 1 -- When the MAPACA Jubilee had an auction component the 3 day show was necessary - since there is no longer an auction component - that 3rd day just extends the time between classes and everyone's frustration at these low registration numbers 2 -- People with children find it difficult to make their child take an extra day off from school 3 -- People who work find it difficult and may even have economic challenges to take an extra day off from work 4 -- The show is already one of the most expensive in the country and the extra night in a hotel room has economic challenges for many 5 -- If a level 3 show can manage 300 animals in 1 ring over 2 days, a show with approx 800-900 animals can manage 2 days with 4 rings 6 -- Many breeders I have spoken to specifically stated they will not be showing at MAPACA this year because it is a 3 day show 7 -- Many breeders I have spoken to have decided not to show because of the expense 8 -- Many breeders I have spoken to have decided not to show because it dragged on forever last year 9 -- Many small farm simply cannot do a show of this cost over 3 days The alpaca industry is not just retired / rich folks anymore. We come from all walks of life and many need to watch expenses and need to work in order to be in the industry they love especially in this economic environment. We also need to make sure we are not alienating the small farms out there. Small farms are the future of our industry and are also the customers for the large and medium farms. I implore you to make the decision to make this a 2 day show this year and in next year's planning start with a clean slate, don't look back to the MAPACA of the past - it will not be that again. Look to the MAPACA of the future and make it the GO TO show again. Because right now - it is an afterthought for many people. I personally no longer look forward to showing there - I just feel as a large breeder I must, but it is my least favorite and least fun show I do all year. _________ To the Alpaca Breeders out there, if you agree with making MAPACA Jubilee a 2 day show this year - please voice your opinion to the BOD as well. You can email them all at bod@mapaca.org or go to the mapaca.org website for contact info.
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