DESPITE unseasonal warm weather in the 30s, officials and exhibitors have hailed the success of the championship dog shows held at McLaughlin Park last weekend.
The Millicent United Soccer Club grounds hosted almost 350 pedigree dogs on the playing arena and there were also plenty of tents, show rings and caravans.
The Millicent Kennel Club staged the championship dog shows at the McLaughlin Park venue over three consecutive days from Friday.
Among the dogs on show were three examples of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed exhibited by Kym Brooksby of Angle Vale.
For around three decades, Ms Brooksby has made the 900km round trip to Millicent each year and enjoys the relaxed environs.
Naracoorte exhibitor Kathryn Hole spent two nights camped in the soccer grounds with her Shetland sheepdogs.
“I received one as a pet 18 years ago and I have had a succession of Shetland sheepdogs ever since,” Ms Hole said.
“I come to these events to show the breed off.
“Back in the United Kingdom years ago, they were used for stock work, but now they are chiefly for show.
“Shetland sheepdogs are good for everyone whether they may be young or old.
“This is the third year that I have been to Millicent.
“This show has a nice, casual and laid-back tone.”
The nature of the Millicent event also appealed to first-time visitor Jeannie Liebhardt, who brought along Labradors and Nova Scotia retrievers.
From her base in Adelaide, Ms Liebhardt is at dog shows on about three weekends of each month and travels as far as Sydney and Melbourne.
“It is our first time here, but we will be back,” Ms Liebhardt said.
Adelaide resident Jo Grundy rounded up three of her friends for a “girls’ weekend away” to coincide with the exhibiting of her Border Collies and Rottweilers.
“We booked a cabin at the Hillview Caravan Park and were made to feel very welcome by owner/managers Allan and Gloria Withers,” Ms Grundy said.
“We have also gone shopping in Millicent.
“Showing dogs is a hobby for me, but it is nice to get the ribbons as well.
“The Millicent show is smoothly run with a relaxing atmosphere.”
For many years, the dog shows were held within the showgrounds and coincided with the annual Millicent Show.
However, the move was made to the Millicent United Soccer Club at McLaughlin Park almost a decade ago.
The four judges came from New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory and the shows were conducted under the rules of the South Australian Canine Association.
Soccer club helper Fiona Hein said she was joined by 14 others on a roster to meet the catering needs of the 250 non-canine show goers.
She said it was financially rewarding for the soccer fraternity.
“We supplied snacks and drinks from the kiosk as well as breakfasts, lunches and teas each day,” Ms Hein said.
“The dog show people clean up beautifully and we were able to play five-a-side soccer on Sunday night.”
Millicent Kennel Club secretary Julie Allen had two reasons to be pleased.
Not only did she help with the successful staging of the event, she was also a recognised exhibitor.
Her three roughcoat collie dogs all received ribbons from the judges.
“It has been a very successful weekend,” Ms Allen said.
“We had our best numbers in four years and it all ran smoothly and on time.
“We heard many times that people regard it as a gorgeous little town.”
