A Little Report on the 2009 GSBTC / GWTA Show & New Location
By Carolyn Alexander
Because Long Beach State, which has been a wonderful venue for GWTA for many years,
began demanding exorbitant sums of money for the show grounds, GWTA moved to an
area in Long Beach near the Queen Mary. Many were apprehensive about the locale, and
it is not perfect, but it turned out to be much better than most of us expected. Here’s a
little report on the show and site.
The weather was pleasant, even cool most of the time. The area is adequate for a group
show, but wouldn’t support most full-scale all-breeds shows. Hotels accepting dogs were
relatively easy to book because of the economy and because it was not an all-breeds show (with hundreds of
additional people requesting rooms).
A number of people stayed nearby at the Maya (a Joie De Vivre hotel) and loved it, especially the easy walk to the
show. Some, mostly those with smaller dogs stayed at the Queen Mary. We stayed at a darling B&B in Anaheim,
which was a 30 minute drive or slightly more, but got such a good deal, we couldn’t resist. Dogs were welcome.
The gardens and room were lovely. Breakfast was average, but show times were so terrific that we could walk
dogs, have breakfast and still get across LA in time to get ready to show. And 2 of the 3 days, there were some
freeway issues, but it worked out fine.
And there were parties!! We were invited to Linda Lethin’s get-together, but we couldn’t go as David was
judging the Staffy Top Twenty. He looked very distinguished judging in tuxedo and tartan cummerbund. Afterward,
we were invited to more parties, which was very tempting but we opted to drive back to our bungalow without
benefit of freeway. Driving through Anaheim, we enjoyed Disneyland’s fireworks. All part of the enjoyment of a
visit to southern California. I love fireworks. It was fun!
Show parking was discounted to only $5 a day, less than most expected. Unloading and getting to the rings was
easier in the morning than in the afternoon when they closed the gate that was closest to the BT set up.
Show security was a little “iffy” One afternoon, two young people were pilfering set ups and when complaints
were made, the security officers who seemed to be busy chatting with each other, essentially told people who
complained that they were hired for something else... and to go find someone else to help. However, nothing seri-
ous happened. The RV area was quiet and relatively close to the show rings. A heart doppler clinic was set up
in the RV area with a number of Minis and several BT being tested. Our Tinkerbell and Teresa’s Tigger and Mr Big
passed. It’s a credit to good breeders when they test their show/breeding dogs. We congratulate all those who
care enough at least test!
As usual, the raffles were fun and full of fascinating Bull Terrier items. The food was delicious. Hospitality was
casual and friendly. Some of the good will was spoiled by individuals who’s BT had finished being left in the classes.
No wonder exhibitors leave clubs and give up showing, or at a minimum give up on chasing ROMs. In this
Internet age, everyone knows point status.
Apparently one of the photographers told the other pro photographers that the BT folks had insisted that ONLY
he do the BT photos. As far as we know that was not correct, but we didn’t hear that until much later and many
of us wondered why we only saw one photographer all the weekend in our area. A major component of the
problem with photos was related to reflection of light off the water (i.e. back lighting). We and others were disap-
pointed by mediocre photos of some very nice wins.
The overall entry for all the clubs considering the economy and the new venue, was fairly good. Most of the 3
pt ROM’s held. It was lovely to see friends and to have access to the heart testing. I’m not sure if the show will
return to that location again next year and I won’t be there as I’m judging in Oregon that weekend. However, I
heartily recommend that people support the club and come out for the show. Come for the bullies, the ROM’s,
the majors, and all the nice people.
It’s a special weekend!
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