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Poodle Club of America Announces 5-Year Contract Renewal for its National Specialty Dog Show

- Private group -
April 17, 2013

Hundreds of Poodles and Poodle owners from all over the United States, Europe, Australia, and Japan will soon descend upon Salisbury for the 81st Annual Poodle Club of America National Specialty Dog Show.  The Wicomico Youth & Civic Center (WY&CC) serves as the main venue for the show with events scheduled Monday, April 22nd through Friday, April 26th.  The five day show is free of charge for spectators and open to the public.

Prior to their arrival, the Poodle Club of America Board of Directors announced it would renew its contract with the WY&CC for an additional five years (through 2018).  The show annually brings about 1,200 poodles along with spectators to Wicomico County for five day period.  Its presence generates an estimated $2.2 million economic impact to the County.

In hearing the news, County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr. shared, “I’m delighted that the Poodle Club of America is returning to Wicomico County for one of the finest shows our community will ever see.  The hard work of the owners and trainers is matched only by their love for these magnificent dogs.  It’s truly a joy to watch, and I understand we are to have them for another five years as our contract has just been renewed.  I encourage all our residents from around the region to attend the show for some truly spectacular entertainment.”

For the show, the WY&CC is magically transformed for the week.  The interior of the arena is laid with sod to provide the best footing possible for the Poodles and their handlers.  The exhibition rings are decorated with elaborate flower arrangements.  The Midway Room in the Civic Center becomes a dog-loving shoppers’ paradise, and the rear parking lot becomes an RV campground complete with electric hookups, barbeque grills, tents and lawn chairs.

Highlights of the 2013 show include the introduction of a 4-6 months puppy class for all three varieties on Wednesday, April 24th. There will also be a Junior Showmanship Competition affording young people, ages 8 to 18 the opportunity to demonstrate their handling skills, followed by the morning dog classes.  On Thursday, April 26th, girl poodles step onto the turf to compete against one another for the title of “Winners Bitch.”  Veterans’ Sweepstakes, classes for dogs and bitches ages seven and up will follow.  On Friday, the “Best of the Best,” the so-called “Special” Poodles of all three varieties come out to compete for Best of Variety and ultimately, Best Poodle in Show.

There are other aspects to the week beyond the dog show competition.  For additional information about the Annual Poodle Club of America National Specialty Dog show visit www.Poodleclubofamerica.org and click on PCA Events; at the dropdown menu, select “National Specialty.”

The Poodle Club of America is very grateful to Purina, Oster Professional Products and Wicomico County Recreation, Parks and Tourism for their generous support of the show.

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