Greater Fort Myers Spring Dog Show this weekend at Civic Center
Not only will locals get to attend a premiere area dog show, but the local community could see a great boost in revenue, thanks to all the attendees.
The Greater Fort Myers Dog Club will hold it’s annual Spring Show Saturday, May 22, and Sunday, May 23, at the Lee Civic Center.
This year’s show, an official American Kennel Club event, will profile more than 150 different breeds. The show will include conformation, obedience and rally trials, junior handling and a puppy match.
Show organizers are estimating the show will have approximately 1,200 registered exhibitors. They also estimate that this show could generate over $650,000 in economic impact to the local economy for this weekend-long event.
Over 1,500 people participate in the show, and many come in from all over the United States to attend.
“This show will be the 75th show — there used to be two shows each year for many years. This is our actually our 39th annual show specifically from the Greater Fort Myers Dog Club,” said Publicity Chairwoman Charlene Kritinar-Ewen.
She continued, there will be a special booth called “Meet the breeds, where people can see rare breeds of dogs like the Cesky terrier hailing from the Czech Republic or the Portuguese Podango from Portugal that are not officially recognized by the AKC.”
“One of the main goals of the Greater Fort Myers Dog Club is to promote responsible dog ownership,” said Lesley Peterson, show chairwoman for the GFMDC, in a prepared statement. “The other priority of the club is to educate the public about the dos and don’ts of selecting the right family companion.”
One big draw from non-participants but local pet lovers are the vendor booths, where everything you could want for a pooch friend will be on display or for sale, including treats, toys and trinkets targeting man’s best friend.
One vendor that will be on hand is Bil-Jac, known for its super premium dog food.
“We go to a lot of the AKC dog shows around the country,” said company spokesperson Meghann Murray. “Bil-Jac will have experts on hand to give some great nutrition tips.”
Show hours are Satur-day, May 22, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, May 23, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with judging beginning at 8:30 a.m. each day.
There will be an $8 per car, per day entry fee, or $15 for both days.
Due to AKC regulations, dogs not entered in the show will not be allowed into the building. Additionally no children’s strollers are permitted in the buildings.
For specific breed information information, visit fortmyersdogclub.com or call 945-2776.
The Lee Civic Center is located at 11831 Bayshore Rd., North Fort Myers, at the junction of State Route 31 and 78. The number is 543-8368.