NATIONAL WORKERS' PARTY
Wednesday, September 16 was dedicated to the workers who make the National possible, memorable, and welcoming from the first bird to the last callback. By mid-week, many of these volunteers were already carrying the miles, early mornings, late nights, and behind-the-scenes problem solving that come with putting on an event of this size.
There are far too many people to name individually, but their roles touch every part of the Championship. Marshals oversee the logistics and keep the line running smoothly. Gunners and gun captains bring the tests to life with every bird thrown. Equipment managers, bird stewards, parking attendants, social media volunteers, reporters, photographers, hospitality crews, and many others fill the essential roles. Long after the last dog has run, crews are already moving to the next site, preparing the following day’s tests, while the crew at headquarters organizes today’s supplies and gets ready for tomorrow.
One of the traditions celebrated at the National is the way people come together through “gunning.” Whenever possible, volunteers are paired from different regions, giving them the chance to work alongside someone new, share stories, build friendships, and strengthen the wider field trial community.
Field Trial Chairman Ken Crosby recognized a long list of more than 40 people, including members of the EORC National Committee, gunners, hospitality teams, setup crews, and many others whose work has carried the event forward. Darlene Broomhead, NRCC President, assisted with handing out workers’ pins — a small but meaningful symbol of appreciation for countless hours of service.
The evening also gave everyone a chance to enjoy a well-earned feast prepared by Southern Comfort Food, the team also providing breakfasts and lunches throughout the event. With Mississippi flair on the menu, dinner included pulled pork, jambalaya, meatballs, wings, salad, and rolls, followed by chocolate peanut butter pie, coconut custard pie, and key lime pie for dessert.
Wednesday also marked the close of the silent auction, an important fundraising piece of the National. Thank you to every sponsor and individual who donated items and to everyone who supported the auction. The big winner of the evening was Lorne Langevin, who took home the Weatherby 18i semi-auto shotgun.
Photographer Judy Belanger had her amazing portraits available for competitors.
The EORC brought out some more vintage trophies to display, celebrating the history of the club.
The evening was made even more special by Taylor Dickens and her daughter attending. Taylor is the daughter of Trevor Dickens, a long-time EORC member whose memory endures in the local community.
Most of all, thank you to every worker who has given time, energy, equipment, expertise, patience, and heart to this Championship. A National is remembered for the dogs and the tests, but it is built by the people who show up, pitch in, and make it all possible. Our thank-yous cannot be expressed enough.
