INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Fairgrounds West Pavilion has literally gone to the dogs.
Thousands of dogs from across the country arrived in Indianapolis for the Indy Winter Classic. The event will help select contestants for the much larger Westminster Dog Show.
"This event is 101 years old," said Rick Crouch of the Hoosier Kennel Club, which organizes the Indy Winter Classic. "Next to the 500, we're probably one of the oldest events in Indiana."
The Hoosier Kennel Club said more than 9,000 dogs representing about 200 breeds will participate in the Indy Winter Classic. The event started Wednesday and will last through the weekend.
That roster includes John Fabelo of Cincinnati and his English setter, Mango.
"Indy is a great show, we've been coming here for many years," Fabelo said. "The quality of this building and the light makes it fun to be in here. You have natural light, you don't have the fluorescent lights flickering. It's just a good building to be in."
Heidi Bell brought her poodles from Alberta, Canada for the competition.
"When I told my husband I'd like to do a dog show in Indianapolis, he said, 'What?'" Bell said. "It's obviously bigger than a lot of the shows in Canada."
Crouch said the Indianapolis show has enough prestige to compete for a major award from the American Kennel Club.
"We're nominated for the top cluster of the year," Crouch said. "There's another large show going on right now in Atlanta, Georgia. We had people from Atlanta who came here instead of going to their local show."
The Indy Winter Classic is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through the weekend, with hours extended to 7 p.m. on Saturday. It will cost you $10 to park at the fairgrounds.
-
Apartment fire displaces 11 on northeast side
The Indianapolis Fire Department said on Saturday that while no one was hurt, six adults and five children were displaced due to a fire on the northeast side of Indianapolis.
More storm chances ahead for central Indiana
It was a beautiful, sunny and warm start to the weekend. However, changes are on the way, with the potential for more strong-to-severe thunderstorms.
Max Engling secures Republican nomination for Secretary of State in Indiana
Max Engling won the Republican nomination for Secretary of State in Indiana with 867 out of 1,630 ballots, defeating incumbent Diego Morales and others.
Rescue dog Osito steals hearts at the World Cup, one bike ride at a time
Osito, a rescue poodle mix, has become an unlikely sensation after arriving at Mexico’s opening match perched on the back of a cargo bicycle, dressed in a Mexico jersey, sunglasses and a cap.
