Pigeon lovers flocked to Purina Farms last weekend for the 2024 Spirit of St. Louis All Age All Breed Pigeon Show, hosted by the St. Louis Metropolitan Pigeon Fanciers Association. There was no pecking order among attendees, with a crowd as diverse as the breeds on display.
Ted Golka, one of 12 Master Breeders in the country and a recognized Indian Tail Master Judge, stated, “We are judging different breeds brought in from all over the U.S. today — rare breeds, show rollers, Jacobins, Archangels and many more.” Golka himself traveled from his home in Glenwood, Iowa, to judge the event.
A heartwarming testament to the bonds forged from a shared passion for pigeons came from Eugene Sande of Delton, Wisconsin, and Jim Brandt of Decorah, Iowa. The pair met at a pigeon show when Sande was 16. Despite living in different states, the two have traveled the country as “pigeon buddies” for over 60 years participating in competitions in many different states. They attended the St. Louis show in true style by donning homemade shirts displaying their fowl — not foul — friendship.
At the end of the day trophies were presented and champions crowned, but no feathers were ruffled. “Typically, this show is packed with over 2,500 pigeons, but I think a lot of people are holding out for the nationals in Louisville at the end of the month,” Golka said of the event’s lower turnout. “Either way it has been a great turnout, and a lot of fun this year.”
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