Get out and play
Your family might just award you a blue ribbon when you take them to the International Kennel Club Dog Show at McCormick Place West, 2301 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago, this weekend. A few of your favorite breeds—more than 150 in total—will be in attendance as they vie for the ultimate title of“Best in Show.” Dogs are first judged against other dogs of the same breed and the winners go on to compete in their group—Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding. The winners from each group compete in the“Best in Show,” demonstrating the breeds’ best qualities, which include physical structure, condition, coat, gait and temperament.
There will also be“Best Puppy in Show” at the Puppy Spectacular, which features puppies from 6 to 12 months old. If your kids are longing to be future dog handlers, they can pick up a few tricks as they watch the Junior Dog Judging, which is held for kids 10-18. If you want more action, jump on over to the agility competition or‘sit and stay’ for the obedience competitions. There will be plenty of opportunities to meet the breeders and their dogs, but don’t forget to ask before you pet. After cheering for your favorite dog, you can browse the 150 or so canine-related vendors selling things for you and your four-legged friends.
If wandering around sounds a little overwhelming, there will be free hourly“Dog Show 101 Tours,” which will give you a chance to see the entire dog show floor. During the tour, visitors will get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a dog show. Tours will depart from the Purina Pro Plan booth.
The International Kennel Club Dog Show runs from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $16, $3, kids under 12 and $10 seniors. Tickets will be available at the door. For more information, call (773) 237-5100 or visit the Web site, www.ikcdogshow.com.
Get your tickets here
Two lucky Chicago Parent readers will have the opportunity to see“DoodleBops Live” at the Rosemont Theatre, at 4 p.m. March 8. Each winner will receive a family four pack. To win, tell us what your family is doing to be“green.” Post your answer on our discussion board, then e-mail your answer, name and your Chicago Parent ID to e-dition@chicagoparent.com. You must post and e-mail us for your answer to be counted. We will not release your information-it is purely for contact purposes. Some answers may appear in Chicago Parent magazine. Winners will be chosen at random and may have no affiliation with Wednesday Journal Inc. or its employees.
Piece of the prize
This week, two lucky Chicago Parent readers will win a“Mr. Men Show” gift basket. To win, tell us which Mr. Men character your kid is most like on our discussion board. Are they Mr. Noisy or Little Miss Chatterbox? Don’t forget to tell us why. Once you have posted, e-mail your answer, name and your Chicago Parent ID to e-dition@chicagoparent.com. You must post and e-mail us for your answer to be counted. We will not release your information-it is purely for contact purposes. Some answers may appear in Chicago Parent magazine. Winners will be chosen at random and may have no affiliation with Wednesday Journal Inc. or its employees.
