AU's NATIONAL PIGEON AWARENESS MONTH

A March 16 release kicked off the public awareness campaign. Clubs set up events around the country to familiarize the public with racing homing pigeons. Each event featured displayed birds and informational materials, and when possible, bird releases to end the event. The AU's National Pigeon Awareness Month ended on April 30, 2002.

Members were asked to send a summary of their presentations to the AU. Entries were reviewed and a winner was selected on May 24.

Congratulations go to Genie McGee of Hernando, Mississippi! Known in her area as Miss Pidge, she completed over 20 presentations from the beginning of the contest on March 16 to the end date of April 30.

Genie's local radio station is now giving "on-the-air" Pigeon Reports during their morning show. They announce upcoming race information prior to the weekend and race results on the following Monday. Each DJ has a bird named for them and they have a competition at the radio station to see who
gets the most points. In the future, they plan to send their remote van to broadcast Pigeon Reports on location.

As Genie so aptly put it, "People in this area are certainly more aware of pigeons!"

Genie will receive a beautiful plaque from American Racing Pigeon Union, proclaiming her as the winner for 2002.

Here are more wonderful promotion results from contest participants. Leonard Lee and his granddaughter, Hailey, of Yucaipa, California, did a great job at Hailey's school. Leonard and Hailey shared literature, birds and an informational presentation for students at Dunlap Elementary School. Her classmates were thrilled and the local newspaper featured them.

Bill Thompson, of Arlington, Texas, treated Tommie B. Williams Elementary School 5th & 6th graders with a presentation on racing pigeons. Each student received informational brochures.

Randall Carney and members of the Omaha Racing Pigeon Association tried something very unique. The local college scheduled 3 different classes for Randall and members to teach. Classes were advertised in the school's class schedule, which was sent to over 30,000 area residents. The club also had an opportunity to appear in a parade with a pigeon float. They handed out informational brochures, provided by the AU, along the route.

Phillip Stireman, of West Jordan, Utah, fascinated two schools with his knowledge and his birds. Schools have to be one of the most enjoyable presentation formats. Students come up with unique questions and are always enthusiastic about these unique birds. With AU materials in hand, he was
prepared.

The Orange County Flyers got in the action with America's Family Pet Expo in Costa Mesa, California. They are gaining a new member as a result.

Paul Daniels was the star attraction at the Tahlequah Tech Fest for 500 of the county's 8th graders in Oklahoma.

Tim Fisher bowled them over in Kentucky. Nurturing a potential all-junior 4-H club, he presented pigeon classes at the Agriculture Exploration Day, which turned out to be the favorite. He also joined in on the national release event.

Gold Gulf Coast Racing Pigeon Club surprised the Galveston Fair & Rodeo with the racing sport. Members had a display set up during the entire event. As a result, they may gain ten new members.

And what about the national release on March 16?  These members volunteered themselves and their birds to the effort:

Arizona - White Mountain Racing Pigeon Club
Colorado - Dan Rapelje
Georgia - Greater Atlanta Racing Pigeon Club
Kentucky - Tim Fisher
Mississippi - Mid South Flyers
Nebraska - James Osche
Oklahoma - Sooner Racing Pigeon Club
South Carolina - Charleston Racing Pigeon Club
Texas - Ronnie Hope
Washington - No. Idaho Homing Pigeon Society

Some clubs ended up with new members. Some members will be continuing presentations to organized youth groups. It was a great opportunity for home schoolers to get in the action. Greg Sherrick, of Oklahoma City, entertained a local home school co-op with his stories and his birds.

Everyone was a champion promoter. Now more people are aware of the unique birds, their history and their potential to improve someone's quality of life.

A big thanks to all the contest participants. AU members are fun people with fun ideas