The Northsound Racing Pigeon Club held an interesting promotion event that informed and entertained non-pigeon public. The club held "A Day At The Races" on July 4th weekend. The weekend began with a Fourth of July Parade in which club members headed up the decorated parade truck with the American Racing Pigeon Union banner to lead the way. The next day featured "race day" at George and Kathy Mallory's house. George and Kathy have a beautiful home in a park-like setting with a Koi Pond, Dovecote, and Fire Pit nestled by tall evergreens. It was a beautiful setting to show off the birds.

Club member Jim Kjeldsen and the AU national office distributed press releases prior to the event. As a result, newspapers and radio featured announcements before the event and provided excellent coverage during the event.

Race day started early with George's old bird team as featured participants in the first-time event "Pigeon Plop" contest. Visitors were offered an opportunity to guess onto which of 56 squares, marked on a 4' by 4' sheet of paper, a pigeon might possibly "plop." American Racing Pigeon Union Executive Director, Karen Clifton, served expertly as the official "AU Sanctioned Pigeon Plop Judge." This was a great way to break the ice for people new to the idea of racing pigeons.

Just as the "plop contest" concluded, race birds started coming in, all together in one tight flock, which was a treat for the audience and the reporters. Races continued all day with live entertainment and lunch served by club members. Members did a great job making visitors feel at home and introducing them to the sport.
Other local club members from the Stilly and Everett Clubs and Elwin Anderson showed up to lend support for the event. Elwin entertained the crowd with his pet bird "Johnnie." The day was such a tremendous success that the club is already planning next year's event.

They may possibly get new members with this activity, but just as important, they have provided a friendly way to educate non-pigeon people on the sport of racing.