Pet Expo Promotion

By Deone Roberts, AU Sport Development

Pet Expos are a great way to share racing homing pigeon information with the general public. America's Family Pet Expo has been a fantastic partner for racing clubs. Not only are they willing to open the entire event with a bird release, but they assist with media attention for local clubs.

The Hayward Racing Pigeon Club hosted a display at a recent expo. The Exotic Newcastle Disease quarantine had just lifted statewide on the Tuesday prior to the Expo held at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, California. The fairgrounds had not yet removed their quarantine, so the club was prepared to make good time in the absence of birds to educate the public that passed through.

The show was in a new location this year and drew nearly 100,000 visitors looking for pet information and entertainment. From dove enthusiasts to llama fans, animal lovers expressed an interest in adding pigeons to their animal families.

Some Expo visitors had moved from the east coast and had already been involved in the sport. They were looking for new club homes. Others were excited about the possibility of sharing the sport with their children. Some were simply fascinated with the birds' history and capabilities.

The AU national office assisted with promotional brochures, manning the display booth, and sending out information packets to people seriously interested in knowing more. Club members will follow up with inquiries from potential new members.

As a result of the expo experience, Hayward Club members are excited about introducing racing pigeon projects to area schools and have started planning school presentations. One area teacher has already expressed an interest in developing a racing pigeon project at his school.

Next year, the club plans to expand the expo display area and possibly include shipping night and race results during the expo, so that the public may better understand the process and become more excited about getting involved.

Special thanks goes to Bob Wright, of the Hayward RPC, for spearheading the event and to the following people for helping man the display: Frank Garcia, Jim Kerr, Ron LeBrun, Rick Koerlin, and John Hollingsworth, all from the Hayward Club, Paul Graham from the Martinez Club and Wes Askins from the Antioch Club.

Members did a wonderful job presenting a professional presentation to the public.

Jim Kerr, of the Hayward RPC, speaks with an interested family at the pet expo.