Our headquarters will be at Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel, located 6 miles east of Redwood Falls. The casino has a hotel, banquet facilities and a new Dacotah Ridge 18 hole golf course that opened last year. The casino and hotel is separated by the banquet facilities, allowing a quiet stay for those desiring it, and 24 hours o food, beverage and entertainment for those unable to sleep! A large, safe exercise area will be provided for dogs; however, dogs are not permitted in the hotel. We have 58 rooms with two double beds reserved for $42.00 plus tax per night. There are more expensive suites available, for those desiring fireplaces or Jacuzzis! Make your reservations early, by calling 1-800- 946-2274. Other area hotels include the Comfort Inn (1-507-644-5700), the Dakota Inn (507-637-5444), and the Morton Inn (507-697-6205). 

Field Trial grounds will be within a 30-minute drive of Redwood Falls, accessible with good, all season roads. We have multiple fields available, with cover ranging from light  brome grass and native prairie grass, to heavier river bottom cover and switchgrass if  needed. Wild ringnecks have been hunted in these fields for many years, and Mike can assure you of realistic hunting cover. We estimate the likelihood of 75% snow free, 24% a little snow, and 1% -- we don't want to talk about that!! Dress accordingly!

 Schedule of Events: 
Training Session: Sunday, November lOth from 10-4pm. Maps will be available at the Jackpot Junction Hotel desk. 
Annual Meeting: Sunday, November lOth at 5:30pm. Please see that all delegate forms are turned into the Secretary prior to the meeting. 
(Note: Discussion item, Qualification Points, The report, prepared by last years committee is on:
http://www.essft.com/2002nat/quali.html )
The Banquet will be held at Jackpot Junction Casino the evening of Monday, November 11th, in the banquet room located on the second floor. 
Being that this is our first National Competition to be held in Minnesota, we are working hard to see that it is a fun (and hopefully successful for everyone) experience. Please Come.

Sincerely, 
Roger Dolliff  - President
Mike Salmon  - Field Trial Chairman 
 

With the Championship drawing so close, we just returned from Redwood Falls to make final plans.  Where so much of the country has been suffering from a drought, we have had well over average rainfall.  We walked the fields that we will actually be using and a few more.  We think most everyone will be pleased with the cover and terrain that we have chosen.

Helpful information.  For those of you who may be flying in to MSP, a new Springer person who will soon be training with us is Head Chaplain at the airport.  His name is Robert White.  Bob has access to airport areas and knows contacts that could be helpful.  If any of you should need special help at the airport, don’t hesitate to ask for his help. 

Some of our trialers who have attended banquets for many years have suggested we return to dress clothes.  That may be too big a transition, but we do request everyone not attend the banquet in field clothes.  Thank you.

Our headquarters motel, Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel, has been very helpful and cooperative on anything we have asked for.  The room rate that Mike negotiated of $42 plus tax is a fraction of their usual rate.  However, they have a strict prohibition of dogs in the hotel and rooms.  We ask that no one abuse this.  The Comfort Inn on the east side of Redwood Falls, only 10 or 15 minutes away from the headquarters, does allow dogs in rooms. 

The number of points required to run a dog in a National Championship will be on the agenda.  I will ask one of the committee members who worked on the report to give a brief summary preceding an open discussion by the delegates.  For anyone who hasn’t seen the report, 
here it is:  The National Open Qualification Standard

I would expect that several delegates have instructions from their clubs and would like to be heard.  Because of this, the meeting could be long and weary.  I ask that anyone who wishes to be heard give their concise thoughts/feelings and limit their time to three minutes.  Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated. 

For those who will be attending this first national competition in Minnesota, we wish you well and will make every effort to provide conditions for an outstanding trial.  I should also add Jackpot Junction will provide a very large area that is safe and contiguous to the casino where dogs may be let out.  Large vehicles may also be parked there with 24-hour security. 

Watch this website for any further information or changes.
 

Roger Dolliff
President,  2002  NESSFTA