NATIONAL BANQUET

Welcome to the 2025 Canadian National Retriever Championship in Balmoral, Manitoba! The host, the Manitoba Gun Dog Association (MGDA), has put in a tremendous amount of effort to prepare the grounds and organize this event. This year, the MGDA is also celebrating its 90th anniversary, alongside the National Retriever Club of Canada, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
155 dogs qualified for the event, and 62 dog & handler teams entered; 3 teams are scratched after the vetting of the bitches.  59 teams will come to line for the first test on Sunday.
The week-long event kicks off with the traditional banquet on Saturday, September 13, held at the Balmoral Memorial Centre. The banquet is a cherished tradition where competitors, volunteers, and sponsors come together to enjoy a meal and reconnect with friends from across the country.
The Master of Ceremonies for the evening is Peter Dozois, the Field Trial Chairman. Peter welcomed everyone, introduced the head table after they were piped in, and a toast was made to “pay the piper.”
The head table included: M/C and Chairperson: Peter Dozois and wife Angela Dozois, MGDA President – Bob Norris and wife Nancy Norris, NRCC President – Doug Shepherd and wife – Elaine Shepherd, Judge – Sean Colville, Eastern zone, Judge – Marg Murray, Western zone, Judge – Dennis Harwood, Eastern zone, and wife Judy Harwood, and Chief Marshall – Colin McMichael.

A Land Acknowledgment was made by Monika Robertson. Loyal Toasts were offered by Peter to His Majesty, The King, and Bob Louiseau gave a toast to the Office of the President. The Canadian and United States national anthems were sung, followed by Grace, which was delivered by Laura Danforth.
Prairie Fusion Catering provided the fabulous prime rib buffet dinner, with Saskatoon berry and cherry pie for dessert.  Abbey, and her team at Prairie Fusion Catering will be providing all the breakfast and lunch meals for the week.
Special guests were introduced and thanked.  These included Purina sponsor representative, Bill Kennedy; landowners Medie Robinson and Kyle Cook; Chair of the Board of Directors of the CKC, and Zone 8 Manitoba representative Corinne Walker.  Peter also welcomed Amie Henninger, the reigning 2x Canadian and 2x US National Retriever Champion.
Events, like the National, are not possible without sponsors; the official national sponsors are:

 Purina -Official dog food sponsor and sponsor of the judges’ travel

 Garmin – Official electronic training collar sponsor

 Avery Sporting Dog

 Dogtra

 Kent Cartridge

 Canadian Waterfowl Suppliers

 Dakota Creek Retrievers

 Gun Dog Outfitters

 Grohmann Knives

 Dealer’s Choice Gifts

 Retriever News

 Retriever Results

Thank you to all those who have generously participated in the fundraising initiatives, such as the catalog advertising, silent auction items, breakfast and series sponsors, and contributions.
Doug Shepherd, NRCC President, gave thanks to the host club and volunteers and recognized the hospitality crew for a beatifully decorated hall and silent auction set up.  Doug reminisced about the first National in 1950 where 29 dogs qualified and 12 entered.

Bob Norris, MGDA President, also made remarks, thanking the MGDA crew and welcoming competitors.
Peter introduced the judges, Marg Murray, Sean Colville, and Dennis Harwood, and asked Carrie Whenham to help present MGDA anniversary swag in appreciation for their service to our sport.  Dennis Harwood made remarks on behalf of the judges, and acknowledged the generous hospitality of the MGDA crew.
Chief Marshal, Colin McMichael,dedicated his NRCC pin to Assistant Marshal Murry Milne, who has done a tremendous job this week.  Colin provided instructions to competitors:  handlers on the mat, and keep the blinds full.  If there is a no-bird, go back 3 dogs, if multiple no-birds go to the end of the line.  Handlers to remove white jackets after they run.  The Gun Captain asks you make yourself available after you run your dog.  Test #1 will be a land triple.  The caravan will leave HQ at 7:00 am.  Opening ceremonies and the honorary test dog will commence at 7:30 am.
The judges retired for the evening, and auctioneer Dave Thompson, assisted by Bill Kennedy, commenced the Calcutta. This included the introduction of handlers and dogs, along with the distribution of handler bags.
Elsie Baker was called upon to draw the starting dog number for test #1.  Dog number 24 (Doug & Cici) starts the 2025 National Championship on Sunday, September 14.