They’ve got around 150 entries so far, and pigeon enthusiast and show judge Bob Pilchar said they’re expecting between 250 and 300 pigeons at the upcoming ‘Saskatchewan Pigeon Show’ on Nov. 16.
Entrants are going to arrive from across the Prairies for the show.
Pilchar spoke about how the pigeons will be judged. “They’ve got to be a certain size, certain shape, certain colour.”
“You put them up against each other, or against the standard, and you end up with first, second, third, and then best of breed."
He said those in the best of breed category are then in a group for consideration as champion overall and reserve overall.
While the overall champion of the show gets awards, Pilchar said the main prize for competitors is bragging rights. “In the pigeon hobby – as far as the fancy pigeon hobby – it's more prestige than anything.”
Pilchar said that through his hobby, the bloodlines for his pigeons exist all over North America and even in Australia. He added that it’s been a hobby for four generations in his family.
The event, hosted by the Saskatchewan Poultry Association, will be happening along with the Prairie Poultry Fall Classic at Gait Equestrian from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Nov. 16.