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Collier Park goes to the chickens

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By Regina Elling

Chicken Little had it backwards—the sky isn’t falling on the chickens, instead little chickens are falling from the skies. Well, maybe not falling exactly, but dozens of tiny little hens and roosters will be taking over Collier Park on June 2 for the Wild West Serama Classic.

The classic is a show, seminar series, and sales event all rolled into one fun-filled day of miniature chickens and the people who love them.

“Seramas are a great breed of chicken that can be kept in a backyard or even an apartment,” said Cara Hamer, show coordinator. “The roosters don’t crow very loud, they are child friendly, and they make wonderful chicken pets. They come in a rainbow of colors, more than 2,000 patterns, and they are about as big as a pigeon.”

Seramas are a relatively new breed of chicken that is shown table top added Hamer.

“They have been more popular on the East Coast, so those of us on the West Coast have been kind of showing by Braille,” she said. “For this show, some major exhibitors from the East will be here to show us how it should be done.”

The show is put on by the Wild West Serama Club, and “this may be the first show of it kind that is really being promoted,” she said. “We want it to be an educational experience showcasing the Serama breed.”

Judging of Seramas is done with the birds loose on a table top, not in coops or being held. As the birds strut, crow, or look around, the judges are busy catching every nuance.

“The birds are judged on their character, conformation, and overall attitude,” Hamer explained. “And since the judges speak openly about the birds, the spectators can learn a lot and understand what the judges are looking for.”

Educational seminars will be held throughout the day.

“The seminars will be short little bits of information, such as how to handle the birds, how to groom them, conformation and showmanship hints and tips, and more—all specifically for the Serama breed,” she said.

There will be plenty of ways to learn more about the breed, as owners and handlers will be on hand, as well as breeders and vendors.

“We have experienced Serama people coming in from Florida, Ohio, Washington, Oregon, New Mexico, and Arizona,” she said.

“We have an awesome opportunity drawing table, and we will have lots of Seramas for sale in the vendor area. We also have a lot of homemade crafts for exhibition and sale, many of which have to do with agriculture and, of course, chickens,” she said.

Many people find that Seramas are like potato chips—it’s hard to have just one. Hamer explained their popularity with, “Honestly, the Seramas are so friendly and fun, they just follow you around. And if you want to bring the farm to the city, these are the breed to get.”

Judging begins with youth classes at 9:30 a.m. Seminars, sales, and judging continue throughout the day.

The Ramona Wranglers 4-H group will prepare a barbecue lunch.

Donations and award sponsors are still being accepted. For more information, visit wildwestseramas.com, find the group on Facebook, or contact Hamer at 760-484-1151.

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