Dog show returns to the Pine Belt

To the Leader-Call

June 20, 2008 11:55 am

— The Deep South Crawfish Cluster Dog Show returns to the JL Cartlidge Forrest County Multi Purpose Center June 25 – 29.
The four-day confirmation show will feature dogs from all fifty states in the Union as well as a few foreign countries.
The Forrest County Multi Purpose Center has hosted the event since 2003.
The Deep South Crawfish Cluster Dog Show is proven to have a huge economic impact on Hattiesburg. Over the past years, the nationally known show has had an economic impact of $800,000 on the community.
The Deep South Crawfish Cluster Dog Show is an event sanctioned by the American Kennel Club. “There will be over 3,000 dogs competing during the four day event,” says Boots Rogers, Event Promoter. “It looks like we will have about the same amount of participants for the show as we did last year,” she continues.
Throughout the weekend dogs are judged in different breed classes. Some of the classes include Sporting Group and Herding Group as well as Best In Show.
These confirmation shows are the signature event of the AKC. They concentrate on the distinctive feature of purebred dogs and help to preserve these characteristics by providing a forum at which to evaluate breeding stock.
Exhibits are judged against individual breed standards, which have been established for the AKC and recognized by their parent clubs. These written standard describe the ideal size, color and temperament of each breed, as well as correct proportion, structure and movement.
This is one of the more diverse events hosted by the Forrest County Multi Purpose Center each year. “The Crawfish Cluster Dog Show is one of most anticipated events on our calendar. We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the show,” says Derrick Ivy, executive director of the facility.
Daily admission to the show is free for children (10 and under) and $3 for adults. The dog show will start at 8 a.m. daily (Thursday through Sunday).
For more information about this or any other events at the Multi Purpose Center call 601-583-7500 or visit our website at www.ForrestCountyCenter.com