Kennel Club show hits 60 years
The Crab Orchard Kennel Club will host its 60th annual AKC Dog Show in Marion on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 4 and 5.
Hours for the show are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. both days, at the Pavilion in Marion, 1602 Sioux Drive, behind the Illinois Star Centre Mall.
More than 600 dogs representing more than 150 different breeds will compete for the coveted title of Best in Show. It's just like the dog shows you see on TV, with group judging to start early afternoon. There will be a large selection of vendors carrying all types of dog-related products, and concessions will be available. Sponsors include Central Hospital for Animals, Visit SI and River Radio.
Spectators can meet a variety dog breeds, see young owner-handlers compete against their peers in the Junior Showmanship Competition, see puppies get started as show dogs in the Puppy Competition, watch owner-handlers compete in the National Owner-Handled Series and get a good look at some very rare breeds.
A judging program with breed ring times is available online at www.onofrio.com.
"We are delighted to welcome spectators back to our annual AKC Dog Show in Marion," said Show Chairman Bryan Helvey.
"Not only is this a fun activity for families, but also it is the perfect place to talk to breed experts about topics such as training, grooming and the right breed for your lifestyle," he said.
An AKC dog show is also a great place to start your research for a responsible breeder, Helvey added.
Admission is $5, although children 10 and under are free. No strollers or baby carriages will be allowed in, for the safety of children and dogs, and only dogs entered in the show will be allowed.
For more information go to www.craborchardkennelclub.org or contact Crab Orchard Kennel Club President, Rodney Jones, at president@craborchardkennelclub.org.
<span class="Strong"> Established in 1958 as a nonprofit, Crab Orchard Kennel Club is the only AKC club licensed to serve the southern 20 counties of Illinois. Their mission: to promote, advance and protect the interests of purebred dogs by educating the local community about responsible dog ownership.</span>