This article first appeared in the 'Barrie Examiner' on Monday, January 6, 1997. Written by Ian McInroy.
INNISFIL - Pigeons from across southern Ontario came to roost Sunday for area Big Brothers. Members of the Canadian Racing Pigeon Union and their birds homed in on the 400 Flea Market to raise money for Big Brothers in Barrie and Midland. About 400 birds were displayed during auctions where some of the pigeons were sold to members for as much as $300, said Mike Taylor of Huronia Pigeon Racing Promotions, which hosted the event.
FANCIER - Mike Taylor, of Huronia Pigeon Racing Promotions, looks over one of his birds at a fund-raiser Sunday for area Big Brothers. Some pigeons live to be almost 20 years old and exclusive birds in European clubs can fetch upwards of $85,000.
Club member David Booth, of Lefroy, who has been a "fancier" for 25 years, says young and old alike can find pigeoning very satisfying. "It teaches kids how to handle animals gently and encourages them to be responsible. They have to feed them and water them: same as a dog or a cat. They have fun watching them fly and handling the babies." But things can get a little more serious at times, he adds.
"Everyone gets very competitive when the racing begins." Voyo Radoman, of Orangeville agrees. He is publisher of the Canadian Racing Pigeon News and has been an avid pigeoner for 14 years. "For most of us it's intense competition through our feathered friends."
An average race is 400 to 600 kilometres but the final race of the 1997 season is about 1,250 kilometres long. It will begin in Radison, Que., on the east shore of James Bay and end when the birds return to home roosts across southern Ontario.
Participants at Sunday's event raised $1,200 for Big Brothers in Barrie and Midland.
HOLD ON - Werner Vahle, of Bradford (left) helps daughters Nicole, 10, and Sandie, 6, (right) with one of the family's pigeons at the 400 Market.
Club member David Booth, of Lefroy, who has been a "fancier" for 25 years, says young and old alike can find pigeoning very satisfying. "It teaches kids how to handle animals gently and encourages them to be responsible. They have to feed them and water them: same as a dog or a cat. They have fun watching them fly and handling the babies." But things can get a little more serious at times, he adds.
"Everyone gets very competitive when the racing begins." Voyo Radoman, of Orangeville agrees. He is publisher of the Canadian Racing Pigeon News and has been an avid pigeoner for 14 years. "For most of us it's intense competition through our feathered friends."
An average race is 400 to 600 kilometres but the final race of the 1997 season is about 1,250 kilometres long. It will begin in Radison, Que., on the east shore of James Bay and end when the birds return to home roosts across southern Ontario.
Participants at Sunday's event raised $1,200 for Big Brothers in Barrie and Midland.
HOLD ON - Werner Vahle, of Bradford (left) helps daughters Nicole, 10, and Sandie, 6, (right) with one of the family's pigeons at the 400 Market.
Past sports promotions
Pigeon racing
Pigeon racing
