Kiwanis Dog Jamboree a Hit

Weston Kiwanis has been working for months to put on a big town event, the Dog Jamboree, and by all accounts they succeeded. The heat spell broke just in time, the turnout was great, and everyone we spoke to was pleased.

It was an interesting combination of fun, demonstrations, and seminars. Proceeds go toward improving the Hurlbutt Elementary School playground and to the Kiwanis Foundation, which is dedicated to serving children.

The fun included competitions for the best tail wagger, best trick, dog that looks most like its owner (as if we own them), best singer, and best lap dog over 50 pounds. Judges included Weston's two state senators, First Selectman Chris Spaulding, and Democratic State Representative candidate Anne Hughes.

There was also a parade. You will want to see the pictures of that in our slideshow.

Demonstrations included a training session, animal rescue, and guide dogs. The seminars were on pet safety, police dogs wolves, coyotes, and dogs, choosing the right dog, and vet tech careers.

Several dog rescue and adoption groups were on hand, with plenty of adoptable dogs.

The Middle School field was ringed by tents, tables and booths. Vendors ranged from dog rescue groups, family services, pet food and services companies, artists, organizations such as Wildlife in Crisis and the Weston Dog Park group, and the Democratic Town Committee. Food trucks were on hand.

As with last week's Valley Forge event, a number of people told us it was nice to have another opportunity to socialize with neighbors they know and those they enjoyed meeting for the first time.

We don't know for sure if Kiwanis intends to make this an annual event, but based on today's results, it seems clear it would be a welcome town amenity.