SMITHFIELD — Hundreds of canines of a wide variety of breeds and their owners are expected to converge at Friendship Park on Labor Day weekend for the Friendship Cluster American Kennel Club Shows.
Held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sept. 2, the event is organized by the Fort Steuben, St. Clairsville and Trumbull County kennel clubs and will feature more than 100 breeds as well as mixed breeds competing in obedience and rally competitions.
Aside from a $5 parking fee, there is no cost for observers to attend the event, which will include many vendors selling an assortment of dog treats and supplies, said Gael Damron, who serves as vendor chairman for the event.
Damron said a massage therapist and chiropractor will be on hand to share their skills and knowledge.
She, her husband Bob, who is the cluster’s chairman; Jane Hendricks, the St. Clairsville club’s show chair; and Barb Wilson, the Trumbull County club’s show chair; are among the many volunteers behind the weekend’s activities.
There will be drawings for various gift baskets. Winners will be named at noon on Sept. 2 and should be present at that time to receive them.
Damron said competitions will be held for puppies 4 to 6 months old to acclimate them to the world of dog shows, owners who also are their dogs’ handlers and junior handlers ages 9 to 17.
She noted she became involved in dog shows when she was 8 years old and became a top junior handler with her pet Irish wolfhound.
Each day there also will be dock diving event, in which dogs will be judged for their ability to descend into a swimming pool from the greatest distance or height.
As time allows, owners of non-competing dogs may give their canines a chance to try dock diving. The cost is $10 for 6 minutes.
Damron said the shows are a good way for dogs and their owners to bond with each other and for dog lovers from various parts of the country to meet.
She noted the Fort Steuben Cluster Show has been held for several years at Friendship Park.
“We have a lot of people who enjoy coming to the park. We get kudos for it every year,” said Damron.
She noted that in addition to offering picturesque settings for photos of the dogs, the park includes walking trails, camp sites and opportunities for fishing and kayaking.
Information about the event can be found at the Friendship Cluster All Breed Dog Shows Facebook page.
(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)
