Back to the title of this blog... Yes, the ARBA Convention is huge but there are other really big rabbit shows elsewhere. "The View from Hare" written by Marylouise Cowan after her December 1987 trip to the German Bundes-Kanichenschan (Rabbit Show) in Stuttgart, tells of the world's largest rabbit show. The following are excerpts from her article with some editing. Now remember as you read this, it is from 25 years ago! That particular year the entries soared to 37,019, in addition to 472 handmade items on display such as angora sweaters, fur jackets, coats, blankets and baby clothes.
All rabbits were cooped in two tiers in 12 spacious halls. The National German Rabbit Club at that time had over 173,000 members, exclusive to German citizens. The European Rabbit Association had 750,000 members from 18 nations. The Germans, like us, hold the show in a different part of the country but just every other year. Imagine having to wait two years for the next convention!
It took over 700 volunteers every day for a week to set up the showrooms, house and feed the 37,019 rabbits, assist judges and man the booths. They were provided hotel rooms and food in exchange for taking this week off from work as a "vacation", sometimes walking a mile in rain and sleet to the showrooms. They also got to watch the judging and purchase one rabbit before the general sale opens.
During cage setup, they place a commercial carrot the size of a summer squash and a rutabaga in each cage. There is enough moisture in these two veggies that no water is given to the rabbits all week. Along with that 2500 bales of straw and 2500 bales of hay with the 32 tons of rutabagas are delivered.
Much more to tell, so come back.