The Fibber Cup is named after the winningest rabbit showman of all time, the legendary Ebert R. “Fibber” McGeehee (May 26, 1926 – December 21, 2009) of Tulsa, Oklahoma. An esteemed exhibitor of New Zealands, Florida Whites, and Mini Rex, Fibber won the honor of ARBA Best in Show a total of 4 times in his show career – three times with a New Zealand and once with a Florida White. His Mini Rex even had a group win in his twilight years. The Fibber Cup made its debut at the 2001 San Diego Convention and has been presented every year since. The perpetual trophy was the concept of Kevin Whaley and Randy Shumaker after recognizing that the most prestigious win at the ARBA convention deserved an equally prestigious award. The cup is a project of the non-profit California Rabbit and Cavy Shows, Inc. for the benefit of all ARBA members. Fundraisers were held and a matching donation was pledged by Heinold Feeds of Kouts, Indiana. The custom hand-crafted silver-plated cup stands approximately 32″ tall. The cup itself has a delicate pattern which was “chased” by hand. Chasing is a highly skilled method of decoration which has remained unchanged over the centuries and is now a very rare art form. It is mounted on a mahogany plinth which incorporates a silver plated plinth band which contains the name of every Best in Show winner in the modern history of the ARBA. Heinold Feeds sponsored the cup for the first 8 years. KW Cages of Santee, CA has sponsored the cup for the past 11 years. We are grateful to our sponsors who have kept Fibber’s legend alive
FIBBER WAS A SPECIAL GUEST AT THE 2009 ARBA CONVENTION
Eabert. R. “Fibber” McGeehee
CRCS mad a point to make sure Fibber did not miss what would be his last convention and arranged all travel for him to attend the 2009 show. In a very special opening ceremony, Fibber was given the honor of cutting the ribbon and opening the convention. Fibber’s achievements were highlighted at the opening ceremony by ARBA’s President, Dr. Chris Hayhow. A special tribute video was shown during the Best in Show Ceremony. There is no doubt Fibber was a special individual in our great Association and his memory is cherished and lives on in his eponymous perpetual trophy.
