For the Antigo Times

The Langlade County 4-H Rabbit and Archery projects are teaming with the Northwoods Rabbit Club (NWRC) to host their third annual statewide rabbit show at the Langlade County Fairgrounds on June 18, 2016.  This show is sanctioned by the Wisconsin Rabbit Breeders Association and the American Rabbit Breeders Association along with various breed clubs.  It is expected to bring in approximately 1,500 rabbits. Eight different judges will evaluate each rabbit based on their body type, fur quality, and overall condition. Exhibitors may travel from Illinois, Minnesota, or Michigan to show at our Northwoods show.

This particular rabbit show is unique because a statewide club is collaborating with local 4-H projects to host a successful show.  By forming this partnership, the youth of the 4-H program are involved in the planning and executing of a professional level rabbit show.  The 4-H members will assist NWRC club members with set up, registration, sorting remark cards, writing for judges, presenting awards, and show evaluation. 4-H Archery members participate in the planning, setting up and taking down, shopping, and the sales at the concession stands.  The Langlade County 4-H collaboration with members of NWRC will help them learn many life skills.

To exhibit rabbits at this show, rabbits must be purebred and exhibit characteristics according to the American Rabbit Breeders Association’s Standard of Perfection.  Youth and adult breeders raise their rabbits according to this publication paying close attention to features like a rabbit’s individual weight, body condition, coat and eye color, body type, and ear carriage. 4-H members study this information when preparing for the fair show. This show provides our local 4-H participants and other youth not only with a hands-on learning environment but a place where they can ask professional breeders and judges questions for more knowledge in rabbit raising and showing.

The public is invited to attend the rabbit show.  We can be found in the Livestock Pavilion.  Saturday’s show starts at 9 a.m. and will last all day. Exhibitors will have rabbits for sale.  There will also be rabbit equipment and clothing vendors. The rabbit community is very open to conversation about raising rabbits and sharing what makes this hobby so great.