Most people up north do not show that early because unless you have access to an indoor its nearly impossible to have your horses ready. Even with an indoor, you run into the problem of having a clipped horse when there's still 3 feet of snow outside.
It's an AMHA show. We show every year. It's a fun relaxed show, although because it's the Stock Show there are a ton of "outside" people that come in to watch. Which is awesome to try and get new people interested in your breed and a PITA when you are getting ready for your class and everyone wants to pet him....
And the price is right: $30 to show all the show and $50 for your stall.