Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Newburgh’s Hollow Square will mark the dog days of summer by hosting a Canine Watersports competition, July 20 and 21.
A first of its kind for the area, the competition will see dogs of all breeds and sizes showcasing their ‘dock diving’ skills.
“A typical event features a dog-and-handler team atop a 36-foot dock, adjacent a 45-foot-long pool filled with water,” reads a description on the Canine Water Sports Canada website. “Healthy dogs of any size, shape, age and breed are more than welcome to partake, and no experience is necessary. Dogs fly through the air and land in the water with a dramatic—and occasionally audience-drenching—splash, after which the longest jumper is deemed winner. It’s wet, it’s wild, and most of all, it’s wonderfully wholesome entertainment for every member of the family—something that’s evident from the large, enthusiastic crowds that are regularly drawn to our appearances at fairs, trade shows and other summertime attractions.”
Anyone with a dog who might be apt to enjoy dock diving can sign up and try it out as well.
“Its really fun to watch, the dogs love it, their owners love it,” said Alene Parr of the Hollow Square Market. “They literally travel the circuit to get people to follow it all around Ontario doing all of these events. During some of the practice rounds you can sign your dog up, there’s a small fee and see if your dog wants to do it. I think a lot of people are excited about that because in this area I don’t know of another time that someone else has done it.”
Spectators can come on and check it out as well, with the entry fee a pay-what-you-want donation that goes to the Lennox and Addington OSPCA Animal Centre.
“Not a lot of people in this area can say they’ve never gone to the local OSPCA,” said Parr. “How many people have adopted dogs from there or gotten some kind of assistance from them? I think it’s a really great cause for the area.”
The event will also include a vendors as well selling snacks and treats for both animals and their owners.
To register as a competitor, visit caninewatersportscanada.com.
The event runs 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday at 425 Main St. in Newburgh.