On the weekend of April 9th and 10th, 2016, the Orange Blossom 4-H Rabbit Project participated in the West Coast Classic Rabbit Show in Reno, Nevada. Of the 45 members in the local 4-H rabbit project, nine members, ages six to 18 years of age, dedicated their weekend to showing their rabbits.

There were more than 14,000 rabbits from the United States and Canada shown over the weekend, and Orange Blossom members were among the top exhibitors. Austin Swier won Best of Breed with his Satin, and Paige Swier won Best Opposite of Breed with her Satin. Rhys Ludlow was awarded Best of Variety with his Lionhead and Best of Variety with his Silver Marten Mini Rex in National & Specialty Shows. Maryn Ludlow won Best of Variety Chinchilla Mini Rex in Specialties and Shows. She also placed third in pre-junior showmanship.

Braden Moore exhibited Best of Breed in two specialties, Best of Variety in National Show with her Mini Rex, and Best of Variety in all shows. Nicole Batezell won Best of Variety and Best Opposite Sex of Breed with her Polish. Danielle Batezell won Best of Variety with her Dutch, which also qualified for Grand Champion Dutch. Rhiannon Nelson won fourth place in the Mini Rex Specialty Show.

Christina Cooper won Best of Breed and Best of Variety in the Velveteen National. Cooper also won two Best of Breeds and Best Opposite of Breeds in the Flemish Giant category, as well as Best Opposite of Sex in Satin and Best Opposite Sex Dwarf Hotot. Cooper placed third in her showmanship division.

Renee Moore, Orange Blossom 4-H rabbit project leader, spoke highly of these members at the club’s April meeting.  She was very proud of the accomplishments of the group, but more importantly, she was proud of how they presented themselves, their sportsmanship, and teamwork as supported by the many commendations and praises they received at the show.