2021 MN Taxidermy Competition and Convention
Hotel & Banquet Information
Event Schedule (Thursday, March 25 - Sunday, March 28)
Thursday, March 25 |
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| 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM |
Backboard Setup (Volunteers Welcome)
Many hands make light work! |
| 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM |
Board Meeting
Boring Stuff, blah blah blah |
| 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
MOUNT REGISTRATION OPENS
All mounts will have a photo taken without the taxidermist prior to being placed in the showroom area. |
| 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Seminar #1 -
Seminar #1 Fish w/Garrett Sunram
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Friday, March 26 |
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| 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
MOUNT REGISTRATION OPENS
***COMPETITION PIECES ACCEPTED UNTIL NOON ONLY*** If you cannot make it on time, call Aaron Reiling at 218-443-1401. All mounts will have a photo taken without the taxidermist prior to being placed in the showroom. |
| 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
Seminar #2 -
Seminar #2 Mammals w/Lance Vandusen
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| 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM |
New Members Meeting @Registration Desk
Get oriented with the show and what our organization is all about. Get any of your questions answered. |
| 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM |
Seminar #3 -
Seminar #3 Introduction to Molding and Casting w/Lance Johnson
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| 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Seminar #4 -
Seminar #4 Birds w/Mike Nakielski
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| 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM |
Competition Area Open
TAXIDERMISTS CHOICE VOTING WILL BE DONE AT THIS TIME ONLY!! |
| 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM |
Ice Breaker Party/Happy Hour
Horderves served w/Cash Bar available. Mingle with friends. |
| 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM |
Auction!!
Get some great stuff and support our organization! |
| 9:30 PM - 12:00 AM |
BONFIRE!! (weather permitting)
No hospitality suite, but we can at least socialize outside! Bring warm clothes, drinks provided |
Saturday, March 27 |
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| 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
Seminar #5 -
Seminar #5 Business w/Cole Cruickshank
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| 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM |
Competition room open to members. Family and friends of members also permitted
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| 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM |
Mount Critiques!
Sign up at the front desk! Get your mount critiqued by our judges. |
| 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM |
Seminar #6 -
Seminar #6 Mounting a Calf Moose w/Jim Benson
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| 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Seminar #7 -
Seminar #7 setting a whitetail eye and eye rotation w/Gene Smith.
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| 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Competition Area is Closed for Ribbon Placement
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| 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM |
Happy Hour!
Cash Bar! Hang with Friends |
| 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
Banquet Dinner
Prime Rib Dinner. pre-buy only, (online registration) No walk ins. |
| 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Awards Presentation!!!
Competition Room will be open immediately following the the Awards Presentation for ribbon viewing. |
| 10:00 PM - 8:00 AM |
BONFIRE!! (weather permitting)
One last hang with your friends! Until next year! Drinks provided. |
Sunday, March 28 |
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| 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
Mount Critiques!
Last chance for mount critiques on availability. |
| 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
Out of State Mounts Released
We know you have a long way to drive! |
| 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
General Membership Meeting/Elections
Members please attend. We want your input and your votes! |
| 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM |
Mounts released following the meeting!
Please help with showroom tear down. Thank you all for coming. Drive safe and we'll see you next year! |
Seminars
Garrett will be mounting a walleye "his" way. A little different technique from the standard. It works well for commercial or competition mounts.
Lance will be mounting mounting a wall pedestal Aoudad. This is a good opportunity to see something different, and learn new things!
Lance will cover the basics with molding and casting the RIGHT way. So much is unknown in this field and he will get you pointed in the right direction.
Mike will be mounting a small waterfowl
Cole's seminar will be on business pricing, marketing and overall running a healthy business.
This is a follow-up seminar from Jim's "Carcass Casting" seminar in 2019. This year he has a power point presentation on mounting the baby moose.
Gene's seminar will be setting a whitetail eye with eye rotation.
Judges
Fish Judge - Cole Cruickshank is the owner/operator of Timberland Taxidermy in Cameron MO. He has been a full time Taxidermist for 20 years and competing for 15 years. While he has had his most success competing with fish, he enjoys the challenge of competing in all categories. Cole has received 12 State Championships, 10 of them with fish, 2 Wasco awards, 3 Best of Show runner ups, and one Best of show which he received from MO in 2019. He has also judged Mammals, Gameheads, and Fish in in NE, IA, IN, PA, and WI. We are fortunate and looking forward to Cole sharing his knowledge with us.
Bird Judge - Mike owns and operates Pro Taxidermy in Iron Ridge Wisconsin. Being a second-generation taxidermist, he has spent his lifetime exploring the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and of course, doing taxidermy. Over the years, Mike has honed his skills to become a premier bird taxidermist. His accolades are numerous, including many state and national titles. He has a great eye for detail and artistic flow, and is a great addition to our judging team! Mike also just won his first Best in the World title -small water fowl at the 2019 World Taxidermy Championships. Congrats Mike!!!
Deer judge - Gene Smith hales from Louisville GA. He has had a long career in the industry with taxidermy, sculpting his own line of forms, competing and judging. Gene has judged deer all across this country. At the very top, winning 3 World Titles with whitetail deer, there is no question he has the experience we’re looking for.
Mammal/Gamehead Judge - Lance is from Lawson Missouri where he owns and operates Wildlife Reflections Taxidermy Studio. He was naturally drawn to taxidermy because of his love for hunting and the outdoors. His primary focus is mammals, game heads, and whitetail deer. He also enjoys the international trophies from across the globe. Lance has been competing in taxidermy since 2000. He has competed in state shows all over the Midwest, national shows, and the world competition. His accolades include several Best of Shows, Artisan Awards, the Wasco Award, Many Taxidermist Choice Awards and more! In 2013 he started judging state shows. He has Judged ND, OK, MT, PA, KS, WI, TX and the NTA in 2019. He mostly enjoys the people he meets. He loves learning and sharing his knowledge with others that share his passion.
Suppliers
Suppliers have not been defined yet
Competition Information
Categories & Divisions
| Masters | Professional | Novice | Jr Novice | Commercial | Open | |
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| Arts, Crafts and Antler reproduction |
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| Fish Reproduction |
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| Lg Mammal Gameheads |
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| Lg Mammals |
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| Lg Waterfowl |
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| One Sided Fish |
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| Pedistal Fish |
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| Reproductions Misc | ||||||
| Reptile |
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| Sm Mammal Gamehead |
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| Sm Mammals |
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| Sm Waterfowl |
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| Turkey | ||||||
| Upland Birds |
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| Whitetail Deer Head |
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Division Definitions
*Anyone who has won two Professional Best of Categories MUST move to the Masters division in that category.
| Masters | For the Advanced taxidermist. Highest level of excellence expected. This category is for the taxidermist who wishes to compete at the most technically correct, artistically oriented and creative level. A very technical critique will be given. |
| Professional | For the Professional, commercial taxidermist. Mounts entered in this division should be technically correct, mechanically sound and exhibit the craftsmanship of a professional taxidermist. A very detailed critique will be given. |
| Novice | For the beginning taxidermist. Entries in this division should be for those starting out or for someone venturing into a new category. The emphasis will be on learning and improvement. A very basic critique will be given. |
| Jr Novice | For the beginning taxidermist (same as Novice) except this division is for 17 and under. A very BASIC critique will be given. |
| Commercial | This division will generally be your "customer" mounts. Entries will be judged from 10ft and no touching or flashlights can be used from the Judge. A score and a few comments will be given on score sheet, no critiques will be given in this category. There is a $5.00 entry fee for this Division that you need to add to your Registration. |
| Open | The category for the open division is the Collective Artist. The Open division is a combination of Jr. Novice, Novice, Professional, and Masters. Due to lack of participation this division will be judged according to what is entered. |
Competition Rules
- All participants of the competition and seminar attendees must be MTG members.
- All entries must be completed by competitor unassisted.
- No freeze-dried entries (exceptions: turkey heads, antlers in velvet).
- Ribbons will be awarded as follows: 1st Place: 90-100 2nd Place: 80-89 3rd Place: 70-79
- Any mount entered cannot have been in previous MTG competitions.
- All necessary permits must accompany protected species.
- Distasteful entries will not be allowed. Competition committee’s decision will be final.
- Mounts must be completed at time of entry. This means completely dry.
- All glass cases must be removed prior to judging.
- The young of a species will not be judged as a mature adult but by size. Coyote or smaller will be small mammal. Larger than coyote will be large mammal. If there is a question on size it will be at the MTG board member’s discretion.
- One-sided fish entries must be finished on both sides of head and tail juncture.
- Reference material may be submitted with any entry to substantiate pose, color, etc.
- Taxidermists 18 years of age or older may not be included in a family membership.
- Only Judges, Competition Committee, and designated personnel will be allowed in competition area during judging.
- If you have a piece with more than one specimen and would like to have all of the specimens judged, you must pay an entry fee for each specimen.
- Extra points may be awarded for half life-size mounts.
- An entry must receive a 90 or higher in order to win a Best of Category or State Champion.
- Judges Choice Best of Show will be chosen from Masters State Champion category winners.
- The judge’s decision on each entry is final. Any concerns regarding judging should be brought to the attention of the Competition Committee. Discourteous behavior towards judges or committee members will not be tolerated. Anyone breaking this rule will not be allowed to participate in next year’s competition.
- Taxidermist’s Choice award will be given to entry with the most votes from all attending registered taxidermists.
- Best-All-Around Taxidermist—An accumulation of points will be given for the highest ribbon of each: bird, fish or reptile, life-size mammal and gamehead entered in Professional or Masters Division. Each mount must be declared at the time of registration. Points will be awarded as follows: three (3) points for 1st place, two (2) points for 2nd place, one (1) point for 3rd place. one (1) bonus point will be awarded for each mount entered in the Masters Division and one (1) bonus point for each mount winning Best of Category or State Championship. In case of a tie, the judges will determine the winner. Minimum of 12 points.
- All mounts are entered at owner’s risk. Every precaution will be made to secure the entries. The MTG will not assume responsibility for loss due to damage, theft, fire, and/or natural causes.
- There will be no early release of mounts. Special permission will be granted by Competition Committee in emergency situations.
- Anyone found in violation of these rules will be subject to loss of any and all awards.
- There will be no refund of registration, entry fees, or memberships.
- Collective Artist Division: This is an open division where two or more members can work on the same or multiple entries. Each specimen on the piece will receive a score. This is its own category and entries are not eligible for Best of Show or any other awards (with the exception of: Taxidermist Choice, People’s Choice, Mayor’s Choice or Celebrity’s Choice.) The judge’s decision will be final.
- Reference material (i.e. pictures or molds) must accompany mount for reproduction category if the competitor reproduced the entry themselves. For judges review only.
- Competitors Award: Taxidermist must compete with 4 pieces from any category, in any combination (ex: 3 fish & 1 deer or 2 mammals & 2 birds, and so on). If more than 4 pieces entered in the competition, competitor must designate which 4 entries will be qualifying for this award prior to start of competition. You must have the highest combined score to win. If less than two people are competing for this award, a combined score of 350 or higher is required to win.
Competition Awards
Best of Category Ribbons
The Best of Category Ribbons are three-colored ribbons. The yellow represents third place and the red represents second place. The blue in the middle represents our highest achievement of a first place.
A ribbon presented to the piece the judges feel is the best in the Jr. Novice division.
A ribbon presented to the piece the judges feel is the best in the Novice division. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify.
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring large mammal in the professional division. This category is for life size larger than coyotes. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Best Professional Entry.
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring large waterfowl (larger then a mallard) in the professional division. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Best Professional Entry.
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring shoulder mount, pedestal or one half life-size Large game head in the professional division. This category is for all game heads larger than coyotes and excludes whitetail. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Best Professional Best of Entry.
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring one-sided skin mount fish in the professional division. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Best Professional Entry.
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring pedestal mount fish in the professional division. The entry must be a skin mount. Artificial head and fins ok. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Best Professional Entry.
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring reptile in the professional division. The entry can be a skin mount or a reproduction(original cast or purchased). This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Best Professional Entry.
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring shoulder mount, pedestal or one half life-size small game head in the professional division. This category excludes whitetail and is for game heads coyotes and smaller. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Best Professional Best of Entry.
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring small mammal in the professional division. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. Coyote or smaller. The winner of this will be eligible for Best Professional Entry.
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring small waterfowl (mallard and smaller) in the professional division. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Best Professional Entry.
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring upland game bird in the professional division. All birds that are not waterfowl will enter into the upland category, including turkeys. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Best Professional Entry.
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring shoulder mount, pedestal or one half life-size whitetail deer. A ribbon presented to the in the professional division. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Best Professional Entry.
A ribbon is presented to the highest scoring reproduction fish purchased or original cast and paint. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify.
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring reptile. This is an open division (no novice, professional, master). This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify.
A Plaque presented to the highest scoring large mammal in the masters division. Any mammal larger than a coyote. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Judge's Choice Best of Show.
A Plaque presented to the highest scoring large waterfowl (larger then a mallard)) in the masters division. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Judge's Choice Best of Show.
A Plaque presented to the highest scoring shoulder mount, pedestal or one half life-size large game head in the master's division. All mammals larger than a coyote. This category excludes whitetail. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Judge's Choice Best of Show.
A Plaque presented to the highest scoring pedestal fish in the masters division.This entry must be be skin mount. Artificial head and fins ok. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Judge's Choice Best of Show.
A plaque given to the highest scoring reproduction fish. Fish don't have to be an original reproduction made by the competitor, although bonus points may be given for original reproductions. Must score a 90 or higher to win state champion. Best of category will be eligible for Best of show
A Plaque presented to the highest scoring reptile in the masters division.This entry can be either a skin mount or an original cast by the competitor. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Judge's Choice Best of Show.
A Plaque presented to the highest scoring shoulder mount, pedestal or one half life-size small game head (coyote and smaller) in the masters division. This category excludes whitetail. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Judge's Choice Best of Show.
A Plaque presented to the highest scoring small mammal in the masters division. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Judge's Choice Best of Show.
A Plaque presented to the highest scoring small waterfowl (mallard and smaller) in the masters division. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Judge's Choice Best of Show.
A Plaque presented to the highest scoring upland game bird in the master's division. All birds that aren't waterfowl will enter into the upland category including turkeys. This Upland Game Bird entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Judge's Choice Best of Show.
A Plaque presented to the highest scoring shoulder mount, pedestal, or 1/2 life-size whitetail deer in the masters division. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Judges Choice Best of Show
Specialty Ribbons
A ribbon presented to the entry with the most taxidermists votes. Opt-in during registration
This category will have a single first, second and third place ribbon. The pieces in this category will be judged as in the masters division. Opt-in during registration
A green/white ribbon presented to the entry the judges feel is the best habitat and diorama.
A black/orange ribbon presented to the highest scoring out of state piece. No Minnesota taxidermists are eligible for this ribbon. Opt-in during registration
An orange/white ribbon presented to the entry that is picked out by a local celebrity. Any entry is eligible.
Chosen by a local DNR Conservation Officer
A maroon/ white ribbon presented to the entry with the most public votes. Any entry is eligible.
Specialty Plaques
These specialty plaques are fully donated by the company listed.
The ALS Awareness Award is given out in memory of Jason Hatz to raise awareness about the disease. It is chosen by Jason's wife Heather and their four kids.
Avian challenge award. 2023 chosen bird is a Bufflehead. Any pose you want. Winner not based on score or division. Bird judge picks his favorite one. Winner will pick the bird species for 2023 show. Should be a bird that is easily attainable for most.
A plaque presented to the entry with the most taxidermist votes. Any gamehead entry is eligible.
This plaque is selected by all of the judges from the Professional Best of Category winners.
A Plaque will be given to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd highest scoring entries among all the entries in the Commercial Division. There is a $5.00 entry fee for this Division that you need to add to your Registration. Opt-in during registration
This prestigious award, along with a 6 month subscription to Breakthrough donated by Breakthrough Magazine. The Judge's Choice Best of Show will be selected by all judges, by mutual agreement, from all the State Champion category winners from the competition.
This plaque is presented to the piece the Mayor of the host city feels is best. Any entry is eligible.
Donated by McKenzie Taxidermy Supply, also is awarded $100 gift certificate to McKenzie. This prestigious award is given in recognition of outstanding contributions towards professionalism, education, and the advancement in the art of taxidermy.
Sponsors choice favorite pheasant mount. Open to any division. Winner chosen by Clay County Pheasants Forever.
Donated by WASCO, this plaque is presented to the highest scoring fish (skin mount or reproduction/replica) in the competition painted with Polytranspar paints. Although painting can be achieved with powders and scale-tipping waxes, the usage needs to be at least 80% or more using Polytranspar paints. Opt-in during registration
This is a Judges Choice for the best mount using PRO-1 Hide Paste and/or PRO-1 Tans Opt-in during registration
This is a Judges Choice for the best mount entered into the Species Challenge. The 2023 species challenge is any Sunfish. Opt-in during registration Opt-in during registration
Named after an MTG member who passed away in 2003, Terry was well known for his love of bears. This award is dedicated to him and in recognition of outstanding achievement in bear taxidermy. Any species of bear may qualify for this award. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify and is chosen between the highest scoring bear in professional and masters division, at the mammal judge’s discretion.
This is a special award chosen by the USSA family! Any entry is eligible!
Donated by Taxidermy Today Magazine. This award is presented in honor of excellence in taxidermy portraying nature's beauty.
"Best Of" Plaques
Voted on by the competitors. Any piece in the show is eligible and the entry with the most votes wins. This award is donated by the United Taxidermists Association (UTA) an educational based organization.
Best-All-Around Taxidermist—An accumulation of points will be given for the highest ribbon of each: bird, fish or reptile, life-size mammal and gamehead entered in Professional or Masters Division. Each mount must be declared at the time of registration. Points will be awarded as follows: three (3) points for 1st place, two (2) points for 2nd place, one (1) point for 3rd place. one (1) bonus point will be awarded for each mount entered in the Masters Division and one (1) bonus point for each mount winning Best of Category or State Championship. In case of a tie, the judges will determine the winner. Minimum of 12 points. Opt-in during registration
A trophy presented to the taxidermist with the highest combined score of 4 entries from any category. (ex: 2 fish & 2 birds or 3 whitetails & 1 mammal). These trophies are sponsored by Matuska Taxidermy Supply Company. Opt-in during registration
Donated by McKenzie Taxidermy Supply. Trophies are presented to the taxidermists with the most votes in the following categories: bird
Donated by McKenzie Taxidermy Supply. Trophies are presented to the taxidermists with the most votes in the following categories: fish/reptile
Donated by McKenzie Taxidermy Supply. Trophies are presented to the taxidermists with the most votes in the following categories: lifesized mammal,
Donated by McKenzie Taxidermy Supply. Trophies are presented to the taxidermists with the most votes in the following categories: whitetail
This trophy is donated by Van Dykes Supply. Chosen by a Van Dyke’s representative, if present at show. Otherwise, it will be chosen by the combined judges.
The WASCO Most Artistic Entry Award is presented to the most artistic piece in the competition. The winner is chosen collectively by all of the judges from all entries in the competition. The winner of this coveted award will receive a polished acrylic award. In order to allow the most taxidermists to compete for this award, a winning state entry shall not be allowed to win a second WASCO Award at another state competition. However, a winning state entry will be eligible to win a second WASCO Award at a regional or national competition
Registration Information
All pre-registation & entries must be postmarked by March 14, 2021 and must include full payment
*** NO EXCEPTIONS ***Pre-Registration Timeframe
February 15, 2021 - March 14, 2021
Fees
| Pre-Registration | At Show | |
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| Membership | ||
| Yearly Membership (If not already a member) | $95 / competitor | $95 / competitor |
| Convention | ||
| Convention Registration
Note: 4 Regular Division Entries included free with Convention Registration |
$45 / competitor (Online)
or $45 / competitor (Mail-In) |
$75 / competitor |
| Divisions | ||
| Masters (Regular) | $10 / entry | $20 / entry |
| Professional (Regular) | $10 / entry | $20 / entry |
| Novice (Regular) | $10 / entry | $20 / entry |
| Jr Novice (Regular) | $10 / entry | $20 / entry |
| Commercial (Specialty) | $5 / entry | $20 / entry |
| Open (Specialty) | $5 / entry | $10 / entry |
| Awards | ||
| Award Fees | $10 / entry | $20 / entry |
| Banquet | ||
| Awards Banquet Ticket - Adult | $35 / adult | n/a |
| Awards Banquet Ticket - Children (4-12) | $15 / child | n/a |
No banquet tickets available at the door - they must be pre-registered for. Children under 4 eat free.