The International Kennel Club of Chicago anticipates unprecedented attendance—that’s according to show principal Scott Pfeil based on preliminary hotel and grooming reservations, as well as interest from the public.
“We’ve had to open up yet another block of a hundred rooms at our host hotel,” he reports. The IKC has arranged a special rate for rooms in their block at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place—and dogs are allowed!
Pfeil also reports the reserved grooming is filling fast, “really fast to be this far out. We’re having an amazing number of inquiries from the pubic, all indicators that we could even exceed the IKC’s record-breaking crowds of the past.”
Those crowds, which topped 60,000 people at times, placed IKC at the top of spectator-friendly dog shows. The current show plans to outdo what past shows offered. In addition to conformation judging, a huge lure is the AKC Meet the Breeds. There’s also the IKC’s emphasis on rare breeds with the Open Show Extravaganza. Dog show tours, demos, dock-diving, and expert presentations will offer spectators far more than they can do in one day. There’s even an all-breed TICA cat show and a grooming contest!
For the exhibitor, there are specialties and supported shows, great judges, prizes, breeder symposia, health clinics, and the chance to advance to Groups and Best in Show (including NOHS) held in the elegant Arie Crown Theater. Plus, there’s the $25,000 Chicago Challenge Cup!
“We’re so excited that the IKC is back, and thrilled at the response of the fancy,” says Pfeil. “We can’t wait to see everyone there!”
Entries close 08-09-23 at MB-F.
More information: www.greatamericandogshow.com
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