A year after its first cancellation in more than 40 years, the Lompoc Valley Kennel Club’s annual dog show is returning to Lompoc’s Ryon Park.
Specialty shows kick off the event Thursday and Friday, with more shows throughout the weekend.
While the yearly event will keep most of its traditional shows, the upcoming version hopes to boost community participation with more events, such as a Pee Wee Special Attraction, in which children can show off their furry pets.
Many dog show fanatics say they are looking forward to the Lompoc event’s revival.
“This is truly an addiction. It is more fun and I am the least competitive person in the world but put on a dog at the end of a leash and I’m gone,” said Lani Powers, Show Chair of the Irish Wolfhound Association of the West Coast.
Nearly 700 dogs of all breeds are expected to participate in the dog show, which is one of the longest-running events in the Lompoc Valley.
The increase in gopher holes and the low number of kennel club members called for the dog show’s recall last year.
