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By KAREN BRADY
Staff Writer
The Grady County Fairgrounds has been the place to be this week, with three free events going on at the same time.
The Oklahoma Sooner Circuit cluster of dog shows runs through Sunday and the Grady County OHCE 2008 Celebration of Crafts and the Quality Comfort Keepers “We’ve got you covered” quilt exhibit will run through Saturday.
The dog show, which is expected to bring a whopping $400,000 to the community, features the Town and Country Kennel Club and the Canadian Valley Kennel Club, with each club showing for two days.
More than 3,200 dogs from 36 states and Canada will compete in the four-day event.
“We’re happy to be here,” said Toni Doake, president of Town and Country Kennel Club. “Some of the top dogs in the nation compete in this show.”
According to Doake, there are a variety of dogs at the show.
“There are unusual breeds and rare breeds you don’t usually see,” she said.
Chickasha Mayor Greg Elliott and Oklahoma State Senator Ron Justice were among a group of dignitaries who welcomed dog show officials to Chickasha.
“We are glad you like our facility and we hope it works well for you,” said Elliott.
“Thank you on behalf of the state of Oklahoma,” said Justice. “Thank you for choosing this location and for promoting Oklahoma as a whole.”
Dog show officials bring in professional judges who judge up to 175 dogs per day. One of the judges at this year’s show is Dany Canino who was born in Chickasha. Although she was not available for comment, she is reportedly excited to return to her roots. She currently lives in California.
Judy McNamara, show chair for the Town and Country Kennel Club, praised the fairgrounds facility.
“I knew instantly this would be a great place to have a dog show - parking, electrical, the size of the facility, the people - I can’t think of anything not good about it,” she said.
All of the events at the fairgrounds offer free parking and free admittance.
