Opening Ceremonies

The Residents from the Cattle Ranch formed a Trio and sang to the delight of the people assembled outside the New Era Building in Demopolis, AL! See video below.....

The Opening Ceremonies had the crowd assembling before five o’clock. The main attention was first outside the New Era Building in Demopolis. As old friends reconnected, we were serenaded by a trio of residents of the Cattle Ranch. Both young and old seemed to enjoy the music while we awaited for the arrival of the Blackhawk helicopter. After quite a delay, it was announced that due to mechanical problems, the helicopter would not be arriving . We were encouraged to go inside and enjoy cocktails and a selection of fruits and cheeses and mini quiches.

The Kansas Contingency for the 2013 Master National!

Frank Barton and his dog Double Down Delta Blues “Delta,” came out and by a process of elimination through the retrieval of numbered bumpers, it was announced at 6:50 pm that dog number 110 would be the starting dog in each of the four flights. All evening long, projectors were continually looping photographs of the recipients of the Master National Hunter title. A segment was also devoted to the dogs who passed away in the last year.

John Blackbird, President of the Master National

Gunter Guy, Commissioner of the Dept of Natural Resources

Skip Lannon, President Black Warrior Retriever Club

Read Holland, Chairman of the Hunt Test Committee

The speakers started with dignitaries from the City of Demopolis, the Chamber of Commerce and Forever Wild. Their message to the audience was to say thank you for making Demopolis and Forever Wild the hosts of such a large national event. Bill Teague gave a moving Benediction and then we had a delicious meal catered by Full Moon Bar-B-Que consisting of smoked chicken, fried catfish and pulled pork.