SEQUIM — Some 700 exhibitors showed off their dogs at the Hurricane Ridge Kennel Club last weekend.
The group’s annual All Breeds Dog Show was held at Carrie Blake Community Park in Sequim from July 29 through Aug 1.
After having to cancel the 2020 event because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the club saw a 26 percent increase in entries from 2019, said Lorraine Shore, club president.
“(I’m) so happy it’s gone really well all three days,” Shore said.
She said about 10 to 20 percent of participants are local.
The out-of-town exhibtors brought revenue into town through hotel, motel and vacation home stays, shopping and food purchased from restaurants and stores, Shore said.
A number of people stayed at the park in travel vehicles, contributing to a strong sense of community at the event, she added.
A small corridor of vendors was in place between the skills trial area and the competitions for best of breed, group and show.
Across the parking lot, close to Sequim United Methodist Church, was an area set aside for a speed test called Fast CAT 2 runs, where a dog chases a plastic bag on a low runner string down a long section of grass bounded by fences. The owner, trainer or catcher stands at the end encouraging the dog as it chases the white plastic, and the speed with which they reach the end is recorded.
Potential therapy dogs also attended the show to be tested for certification.
Shore and others said they were grateful to the city for letting them use the park, as the club’s previous venue at Sequim High School couldn’t permit the show during COVID-19.
“People love dogs, and this is bringing in more money for the city,” Shore said.
Gift certificates for raffle baskets were donated by local businesses. Proceeds were divided among the Hurricane Ridge Kennel Club, Emerald City K-9 Freestyle Dancers and the Old Dog Haven, a kennel club member said.
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Emily Matthiessen is an intern with the Olympic Peninsula News Group, which is composed of Sound Publishing newspapers Peninsula Daily News, Sequim Gazette and Forks Forum. Reach her at emily.matthiessen@sequimgazette.com.
