They say birds of a feather flock together, and next Saturday Marion County will be able to see that at the sixth annual Pearl River Classic Exhibition Poultry Show at the Columbia Expo Center.
Poultry birds of all kinds including chicken, turkey, ducks, geese and guineas will be on display and judged according to their standards. More than 1,200 birds have already been registered for the show. One of the organizers of the event, Julie Bryant McDonald, said there is about 400 more birds than normal.
In conjunction with the event is the American Poultry Association Semi-Annual Show. Not only is this the first time the show has been in Mississippi, but also this is the farthest south the show has been held. Exhibitors from all over the country will be here for the event.
Showing poultry birds are like showing most animals. Each animal breed has a set standard physically such as size, shape, color, etc. The birds are not judged against each other as much as they are judged against the standard for each breed. In the open classes, which mean open to everyone to participate regardless of age, placement in the class at each show can earn show points. Points are accumulated to earn titles. “Master Exhibitor” is from receiving a total of 300 points; “Grand Master Exhibitor” is received when one earns 200 points in one particular breed, and the “Hall of Fame” is earned when one has received 1,000 points, according the American Poultry Association.
The more points awarded to a bird, the higher price it is for the bird and/or to breed. There is a junior division where the younger exhibitors, 18 or younger, can compete in their own class. However, they do not receive any points.
This year there will be a special division for rare birds.
McDonald said it is something her family has fun doing, and they have made a lot of friends through the various shows.
“It is a family friendly event. You feel safe allowing your children to walk around the arena,” she said.
McDonald said Jason Moree will be running the concessions, providing breakfast and lunch the day of the competition, and more than 30 vendors have registered to sell a variety of different goods. Items have also been donated, which will be raffled during the day.
Also there will be an area where birds will be for sale.
For more information, call McDonald at (601) 441-4386 or visit www.pearlriverclassic.com.
The event is Jan. 25 beginning at 9 a.m. and will continue to 3 p.m. The show is free of charge.
