Following more than a hundred years of tradition the members of Central Beagle Club hosted yet another successful A.K.C. Championship Field Trial. A MEMBER Small Pack Trial was held on October 18 - 19, 2003, just a week before the opening of Pennsyl-vania's Small Game Season. We refer to our Championship Trials as MEMBER trials because of our status as an American Kennel Club MEMBER. Only a few Beagle clubs have this position within the A.K.C. and as such are entitled to an A.K.C. DELEGATE to serve in the 'legislative' branch of the organization. Enough said. The timing could not have been better! Indian Summer had returned throughout all of southwestern Pennsylvania in late October. The sun was shining in West Deer Township, Gibsonia area of northern Allegheny County, and all was well for those gathered at the Club found on Rittman Road. Yes, yet another beautiful fall weekend was had to wrap up the jam- packed 2003 licensed / MEMBER field trial season.

The members of Central Beagle Club would like to thank those beaglers who return each year with their splendid hounds and trust our judges to select the best of the best. To those who have never attended a licensed (MEMBER) trial at Central, we can only once again extend an open invitation and promise you the best in beagling. Seeing is believing.

If you review the results of this autumn trial it is hard to forget the quality of the packs dominated by WILLOW RUN CRACKER JACK, or FISCH'S BLACK RABBIT ATTACK. Those who witnessed the running of KATLIN'S SPRING VALLEY ECHO and KEENLINE SUGAR BABE could only imagine the thrill such hounds would provide their owners when rabbit season opened on Saturday. That is what it is all about.

It is difficult to properly thank a large number of members who make field trials at Central the TOTALLY successful events on record. … the Grounds Committee maintains the hundred plus acres of training / running grounds --- keeping a delicate balance between the heavy 'rabbit' cover and the openings needed to follow and clearly watch the hounds. Oh, bless the House Committee for cleaning the clubhouse from top to bottom and preparing the sleeping quarters for judges and a few travel-weary beaglers. Then add the efforts of the Kitchen Committee. The home-cooked meals are second to none. This culinary production would draw the envy from the best of 'bed and breakfast' inns. And the desserts are simply scrumptious. Marshals are continuously active from the front lawn to the action in the field. A vendor is likely to be present on the front porch with trappings available to satisfy many a want and need. No pressure? Right. You breathe freely only when the last satisfied guest has returned home.

Thank you, one and all, for your continued efforts to accommodate the participants in these American Kennel Club Performance Events. Keep them doggies rollin.'

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Check the Photo Gallery and Field Trial Results here and on the A.K.C. website for more specific coverage and details.