Driving up this month compared to New Brunswick last month was easier due to it being cloudy both ways. We didn't have to worry about the sun beating in the vehicle windows making the rabbits hot. Even though we have a very dark tint and air conditioning in the back, it can still get pretty warm. One thing about driving north on the airline road, there isn't any traffic, unlike when you head south in Maine or other New England states.
While the Canadian exchange rate helps the U.S. dollars go further... the buck stops at the gas pump! Gas is sold by the liter and is $1.06 per liter (or over $4.00 a gallon). The gas is the same price, no matter which gas station so at least you don't have to shop around Other items are much more costly also. Like getting off the island. That requires crossing the bridge which has a toll of $46.00. You read that right, FORTY-SIX dollars (2 axles).
Their silent auction tables were fun, all kinds of different items to bid on. Rabbit supplies, jewelry, bunny keychains, horse manna feed, kitchen items, decorations, candles and more. I took a home decor mirror with two photo frames on the bottom that I "bunni-fied with a couple of rabbit note cards. Other than a grooming table it raised the most money garnering many bids ending at $37.00. I've put together another one that has a mirror, corkboard and wipe board plus two frames for rabbit cards and may bring that to another show.
It always feels like a test getting either way across the border, even with paperwork. You never know how knowledgeable the person at the booth will be about rabbits or that indeed there is such an event as a rabbit show. Doesn't matter if it is on the Canadian side or the U.S. side. You do not need health certificates and I bring the paperwork printed off the Canadian website stating so. I also take a copy of the show catalog. Best to be prepared.
Steph's Pina Colada cupcakes, penuche fudge, brownies and other sweets in the kitchen were tempting. They auction off any leftover foods at the end of the show. Makes sense and raises some $'s for the club.
They also held a Showmanship class, Posing and Costume (Dress-Up) class for the youth. I didn't get a chance to watch this year but sure it was something the kids had fun with.
We were able to clean the rabbit carriers for a fresh smelling ride home, that always helps. A huge compost dumpster outside the showroom made it really convenient. We'd been prepared this year with a huge commercial size trash bag but got to keep it this time. They compost a lot on the island and sort what gets thrown where.
The buns, Gary and I were very happy to arrive home with plenty of daylight left. Consider attending a Canadian show sometime, they put on good ones.
Show results on another blog post to go up soon.