Page 216 - ShowSight - November 2019

WHO’S RUNNING THE SHOW?
EPISODE TWO: Wayne Ferguson cont’d.
of Philadelphia include The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine.
Over 2,000 of the top American Kennel Club sanc- tioned dogs from across the country are expected. 205 breeds and varieties are eligible to compete for best of Breed, First in Group and the coveted title of Best in
Show Chairman for the Kennel Club of Philadelphia event, one of only four “benched” shows remaining in America. He is an AKC Judge, past president of the Pointer Club of America and the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States. He has shown dogs since 1975 and lives in Germanville, PA with his wife Judy and
daughters – Olivia and Victoria.
Wayne Ferguson, the Kennel Club of Philadelphia
Shows and National Dog Show in-house announcer, is President of the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, past Vice Chairman of the Morris Animal Foundation and a past Director of the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine. Wayne has been in the dog show world for 45 years and is past President of the AKC Ca- nine Health Foundation. He was honored at the 2012 Showdogs Awards by being inducted into the Anne Rogers Clark Hall of Fame for his many contributions to the purebred dog world. —Courtesy KCPHL
I asked Wayne a few questions and he provided me with great insight into his idea a show chair’s job. When did you join your first specialty or all breed club? I joined Delaware Water Gap KC in West Jersey in 1973,
Show. Each day brings different competitions and attrac- tions.
Saturday is The National Dog Show Presented by Pu- rina, taped for telecast nationwide on Thanksgiving Day by NBC. It is the most widely viewed dog show in Amer- ica.
Sunday’s show offers more canine competitions, en- hanced athletic dog exhi-
Have you sought out sponsorship to help the cost of the show?
Very happy to say that Purina has sponsored the Na- tional Dog Show hosted by KCPHL since 2001. High pro- file shows have an easier time but smaller shows can seek support from their local community, or hold public events that draw attention to their events.
Businesses are looking for this grass roots exposure. People have to go out and
bitions plus family-friendly activities and hands-on fun.
The National Dog Show Presented by Purina is broadcast nationwide in high definition on NBC on Thanksgiving Day imme- diately following the Macy’s Parade, reaching an audience of nearly 20 million viewers. This two hour family entertainment special has become a major event in the dog show world and is rapidly becoming an important American holiday tradi- tion.
The show is hosted by
feld star, winner of Dancing with the Stars, and purebred owner, along with Mary Carillo, and with expert com- mentary by David Frei, the “dean of dog show commen- tators.”
Frank DePaulo is now entering his fourth year as
beat the bushes. When shopping, ask to talk to the manager and inquire if they’re interested in lots of publicity and being a part of a great civic event.
Do you use professional stewards? If not, who trains yours?
We use club member and volunteers. We have a chief steward and he makes sure that the peo- ple who volunteer have had experience.
Are you involved in the judges selection process? We have a committee. I’m
214 • ShowSight Magazine, noveMber 2019
As Show Chair it’s imperative to assess fellow members’ skills as to where they are best suited. Some guys will offer to drive golf carts but would be far better used in more strategic positions.
A lot of times people will volunteer for jobs that aren’t a good fit. The Show Chair needs to know who is best in which capacity.
John O’Hurley, former Sein-
just one voice in JS for both clubs.
Tell us about your Juniors program.
We offer $5000 in scholarships to the Juniors. We try to reward the younger generation for their dedication. Does the judges’ hotel have a restaurant? Shuttle to the show?
Yes. >
John O’Hurley, David Frei and friend, hosts of the teleised NATIONAL DOG SHOW.
Photo courtesy KC of Philadelphia
since.
then became president in 1975. We had our first point show that year.
What offices have you held be- fore becoming a Show Chair- man?
KC Philadelphia: Started as Board Member, then became president in 2009.
M&E: We re-created Morris & Essex in 1997. I have been been president & show chair ever
A