2000 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP

THERE ARE MANY GREAT ASPECTS about publishing a trade journal like Breakthrough, but one of the best is the travel and friendships Kathy and I have made around the world. The 2000 European Taxidermy Championships (ETC) proved to be no exception. The event was truly unique when compared to any competitions we have ever witnessed in the United States. The show was held in conjunction with the International Sportsmen's Fair, known as the Game Fair, which is the most comprehensive event for wilderness enthusiasts in France. Held at the 10,000-acre estate called Chambord, which is now owned and maintained by the French government, it is truly the setting for kings. In fact, it was the private hunting preserve for past rulers of this great European nation.

The central fairgrounds, with the Chambord castle as a background, were the setting for the final night's awards and banquet. This outdoor finale presented us with with a falconry exhibition, then horsemen in traditional European hunting dress with fox hounds in packs, which were saluted and directed by the trumpeters in a ritual that has been repeated for hundreds of years in Europe. Next, we saw four acrobats on horseback who glided and leaped around their running horses with speed and agility. These were only part of the evening events, which ended in a most spectacular fireworks display with the Chambord Castle as a background. More than one European taxidermist came by our table and said, "Let us see you top this at the next World Show!" It would be impossible! This final event of the Game Fair and the European Championships will always remain in our memories...