As many of us know, there is a lot more to going to Champs, than Champs itself. There are a number of things outside of NADAC’s responsibility but factor into an exhibitor’s decision about going.
I have no doubt that NADAC’s staff and volunteers will host the safest event possible and will make it as fun as possible under today's conditions. We know the social aspects of Champs will be very different. Sitting 6 ft apart in the stands or out in the kenneling area may not produce the same warm group feeling as in the past. We know it can get noisy in the arena, so we can’t be yelling across social spacing as it’s not fair to the team on course. This post is not about these things.
What I wanted to mention are some of the issues people will be reviewing as they make their decision about Champs 2020. What stands out to me are the differences between the RV’ers and the “Motel’ers”. The RV’ers, those who will travel and stay in RV’s, will be able maintain many of the Covid-19 self-containment guidelines. They have control of their bed, food service, bathroom and kenneling area while on the road and in Gillette. These folks can slip away to their RVs, take their masks off, put up their feet and let their dogs lose. It’s different for the motel’ers.
Those staying in motels have to rely heavily on the outside world. They largely have to rely on restaurants, motels and public restrooms. Example - Finding a public restroom in my area, at this time, is a challenge. I live in a city with lots and lots of businesses, but many places have locked their restrooms. This includes gas stations and fast food places. As of this post, I don't believe all states have opened their hotel lodging up for personal travel.
I know my perception of things is influenced by the fact I live in Southern California, an area heavily hit with the virus. For most of us in this area its 3 days to Champs and 3 days back. Taking that on when you have no ideas what services you will find open and the condition of those places can be daunting. Traveling 1200-1300 miles not knowing where you’ll find the next open bathroom can be a bit stressful. Wonder if I can pull up an antelope and squat beside it? …. Stop…stop…don’t picture a 70 yr old woman doing that beside the road. I said to stop picturing that. LOL
Once in Gillette many of those issues continue, like where to seek meals. Personally I only go to places I felt had high sanitation standards before the pandemic started. When you are in a strange community, it a bit like shooting craps. The hotel in Gillette two years ago was super crowded, elevator almost always packed. I can see the stairwells packed this year.
Don’t get me wrong, I think it is wonderful that so many have RVs and I’m always glad to see folks enjoying them. Not trying to start anything, just mentioning some of the differences that will shape folks decision about this year’s Champs.
Chris, Amanda, Jimmy and all the others Champ coordinators, please don't take anyone's vote to cancel 2020 Champs as a lack of confidence in you. We have 100% confidence in you, it's the rest of the world that has some of us worried.
OK enough, give your fur kids a hug and go play with them.
