This year’s St. Davids Lions Carnival was met with sunny skies after a rainy run last year.
Among the usual attractions including carnival games, rides, bingo, a nickel sale and a Toronto Argonauts kickoff, the ever-so-popular dog show made its return.
“This year was quite a bit easier, the weather was better and there was more of a turnout,” lead organizer Kelly Brew said.
Brew, an avid dog lover, first got the idea for a dog show in NOTL after visiting one herself.
“I went to this little community dog show and it inspired me: I had a great time, I put my dog in and won cute little prizes,” she said.
Brew came back and mentioned it to the Lions who suggested running one of their own — and the rest is history.
With around 50 fluffy participants, this year’s show was judged by MPP Wayne Gates, Lions president Susan Snider and veterinarian Dr. Stephanie Hall.
Awards were given out for prettiest girl, handsomest boy, oldest, youngest, biggest, smallest, best costume, best trick, sweetest and waggiest tail.
One dog named Bella was also awarded the Beatrice Memorial Award, given in memory of Brew’s dog, who died shortly before last year’s show.
This year’s best-in-show prize went to a pup named Tango.
Brewer thanked the show’s sponsor, Global Pet Foods, which supplied prizes for the winning pups.
Donations were collected in support of the Dog Guides of Canada, the organization that all of net proceeds will benefit.
“It was a really successful carnival overall, certainly in comparison to last year,” organizer Ken Lamb said.
The addition of a brand new marquee tent and attractions like the dunk tent, led by A.N. Meyer’s social club, helped attract little ones and keep crowds entertained, Lamb added.
“And it was sunny outside except for some rain coming down for around 20 minutes on Wednesday,” he said, joking that everyone got drenched while setting up tents.
Donations were collected during the carnival for food banks in the region.
Lamb thanked all of the carnival sponsors for helping it all come together.
“They helped us raise as much money as we could through the dunk tank and wine and beer and food. We couldn’t have done it without the sponsors and we cannot thank them enough,” Lamb said.
