Breitenbach Wine Cellars Annual Dog Show

By Denice Rovira Hazlett
August 21, 2013
438

Summary: Breitenbach Wine Cellars is gearing up to host an annual family event that promises to go straight to the dogs. Story: You know it's bound to be fun once you get a glimpse of the contest categories--"Youre so ugly, youre cute," and "Senior Citizen," "Best Costume" and "Best Trick." Then of course there's the prettiest female and the most handsome male, in addition to the smallest, the biggest, and, of course, the human look-alike contest. It's all part of the fun at Breitenbach Wine Cellars' Labor Day Party and dog show on Saturday, August 31 at the new Roadhouse Amphitheater on Alpine Hills, just 100 yards east of the winery on Old Rt. 39. Breitenbach's annual event, benefiting the Tuscarawas County Humane Society, begins at 11 a.m. with local vendors selling produce and homemade goods from pies and biscotti to chips and salsa. John's Cafe will serve rigatoni and meatballs and Italian sausage sandwiches piled high with onions and peppers. Grab a balloon animal from Freckles the Clown, then sip on sangrias with names like Doghouse Red (Roadhouse Red with citrus juices), Peachy Pomeranian (Peach wine with orange and mango juices), and Shepherd Sunrise (Frost Fire with citrus juices) while Tom Shelly from All Breed Training and Services presents a training demonstration. At noon, registration begins for the dog show (suggested donation of $10 per dog), which usually draws about 100 canines and is organized with an emphasis on fun. Breitenbach's Anita Davis looks forward to the event, now in its sixth year, to provide a great day of entertainment and some very creative contest entries. "There's a guy who comes every year from out-of-town," Davis said, "Raymond Ingraham of Youngstown makes it a point to bring his Pomeranian, Pookie Petals, in an elaborate costume. One year, she was dressed like a princess, spinning around on top of a music box." Prizes for the winners are donated by Breitenbach Wine Cellars, Petz Place, Sugarcreek Vet Clinic, Oak Pointe Veterinary Care, Oak Shadows Kennels Plus, Sifferlin Animal Clinic and Valley View Animal Hospital. The all-day event continues with registration for the first annual PAWSitively Extreme Race beginning at 5 pm. The 5k features exercise stations along a hilly course, which can be completed with or without canine companionship. Registration is $25.00 and includes a t-shirt, Park Street pizza and chances to win even more prizes. "It's really fun," Davis said. "Even if you don't have a dog, it's hilarious. It's a great event for the whole family, especially on that hilltop, which is possibly the highest spot in Tuscarawas County from where you can see Dover and Sugarcreek." And, if you need to pick out a pooch of your own, volunteers will be on-hand to show off some adorably adoptable dogs. Stick around to close out the evening with the 7 pm performance of ONE: A Celebration of U2, the Canton-based tribute band that has crafted their stage show to bring the spirit of their favorite group to U2 fans everywhere. Playing music from U2s vast catalogue and incorporating an innovative video show, the members of ONE are dedicated to recreating the sights and sounds of U2 live. For a taste, visit onetributeband.com, and be sure to reserve your table for a $5 per-person cover charge by calling Breitenbach Winery at 330-343-3603. With proceeds benefiting the animals of Tuscarawas County, Breitenbach's Labor Day Party is one event that promises to go straight to the dogs.