2010 Midatlantic Show
January 29-30, 2010
Timonium, MD

Overview

You will need to follow these steps to show at the Midatlantic Show:

• If you are not already an AGS member, become a member by December 29, 2009.
• Read the Health Page and make plans for your quarantine period and travel.
• Get a gerbil ID number for each animal you will be showing.
• Fill out your Show Registration online or send in the mail-in registration which must be received on or by Friday, January 15, 2010.
• Read the Please Read pages so you know what to expect at the show and how to prepare for Health Inspection.
• Familiarize yourself with the special rules that apply to this exhibition show.

Eligible Animals

Kennels are limited to entering a total of 8 gerbils in the show. Animals born on or after October 29, 2009 and on or before December 18, 2009 are eligible for Juvenile (Pup) class for this show. After the registration deadline, no animals may be added or substituted; only scratches are allowed.

Quarantine Requirements

All show participants must adhere to our strict quarantine and health standards. Please read the Health page carefully before registering your gerbils.

Special Considerations for an Exhibition Style Show

Unlike the Midwest and New England shows which are solely under the control of the AGS, this show takes place within a public exhibition organized by the World of Pets Expo. Exhibition-style shows give the AGS the opportunity to educate great numbers of people about showing gerbils. In order to make the event as interesting, educational and accessible to the public as possible, an Exhibition Style show differs from an AGS show in the following ways.

Exhibition Show Format

In an exhibition style show, judges announce the results of their classes as the classes are completed. This format generates interest because there is excitement throughout the day as results are announced. It also gives the judges many opportunities to educate the constantly-moving crowd about how gerbils are being judged.

To prevent personal considerations from influencing the judges' class and Best in Show decisions, we ask that participants make an effort not to let on whose gerbil is whose as the judges announce the winners of each class.

Limitations on Merchadise Selling

The World of Pets Expo sells space to vendors who wish to sell merchandise to the large crowds that attend the Expo. Because the Expo provides our exhibit space to the AGS for education and entertainment purposes, only AGS branded merchandise can be sold in the AGS booth. While the exchange of merchandise between our many talented members is a beloved aspect of gerbil shows, we ask that members arrange for merchandise exchanges off-floor.

Limitations on Animal Sales/Adoptions

The World of Pets Expo wishes to encourage careful and responsible pet ownership. In general, people do not come to the Expo expecting to adopt or purchase pets. Consequently, such sales and adoptions are more likely to be impulsive. For this reason, the Expo requests that AGS members make no adoptions or sales of animals from the Expo floor. Exhibitors are welcome to display business cards or pamphlets and encourage potential customers to meet them outside the show hall and hours for animal sales or adoptions. Sales or exchanges between AGS members are private matters and can take place discreetly within or outside the exhibit venue. Please consider space limitations and pre-arrange adoptions to the extent possible.

Show Status

AGS Shows can be either Fun Matches or Sanctioned Shows. Points toward championships are awarded only at sanctioned shows. The determination of whether a show has sufficient entries (both members and gerbils) to be a sanctioned show can only be decided after the registration deadline. Participants should enter the show understanding that the show status (Fun Match or Sanctioned) cannot be determined far in advance.

Space is Limited!

Our exhibit space will be tight. Please limit the number of animals you bring only to those showing and companions. Please bring animals to the show in housing in which they will be comfortable (including water for non-show gerbils) but which takes up the minimum foot-print. In order to encourage maximum participation, we may have to limit members to one-half table. If so, we will provide the largest possible space for each participant on a first-come, first-served basis. If you pay for more table than we can allow you, you will be informed and money for the unavailable space will be refunded. Please "think compact" as you plan your entries.

Overnighting in the Show Hall

The Maryland State Fairgrounds was designed primarily as a summertime livestock show hall. It is essentially unheated. Temperatures are tolerable during the day but is grows quite cold at night. AGS members should determine in advance whether they wish to (1) check in on Friday night and move all their animals to the heated Vendor Lounge overnight, or (2) keep animals at home or in a hotel on Friday night and check in on Saturday morning. Please advise the show coordinators of your plan so that we can have adequate staffing for health inspections. This is also another reason to limit the number of animals you bring to the show.

Traveling with Gerbils

If you will be traveling any distance with your gerbils, please read our advice regarding traveling with gerbils before you plan your trip.

Can Someone Else Show My Gerbils For Me?

Members may show up to three gerbils without attending the show themselves. You should only show gerbils that (a) have previous show points and are working toward a championship, or (b) will be shown in a class or category in which you currently have points and are working toward a Breeder’s certificate. All gerbils being shown in absentia must be pre-registered and paid in advance. Please read the detailed instructions about Showing Unaccompanied Gerbils before you make your plans.

Photos from West Springfield Pet Expo 2007