The 3rd Colwyn Bay Siberian husky event kicked off in Eirias Park on Friday night with a pub quiz in the bar, followed by lots of drinking and a late night!

The next morning was a little wet to begin with but soon brightened up while remaining cool for the dogs taking part in the short fun run around the park.

After the fun runs, club members gave talks on various husky related subjects including buying your first puppy, exercise and taking on a welfare dog.

A sponsored dog walk, where participants could raise money for the club's welfare scheme or a local special needs school, took up the afternoon before the fun and games began in the stadium.

The main game, "it's a knock out" in fancy dress with rigs and huskies was superbly organised again by Bruce and Lyn Hall, ably commentated by Sarah Robinson and assisted by the "lovely Miss Stash" who kept the scores. Bruce, in his tartan kilt and beret and Lyn in a highwayman outfit kept the games running smoothly, while the participants in their outfits were a sight to see! A bunch of grapes, jesters, Marinda as Cruella de Ville in high heel boots and spotty fur coat were among the fancy dress but the no one could compete with Neil Allen in his costume! Bruce tried by flashing his tartan pants at everyone but even this was no match for Neil's Basque, suspenders and fishnet stockings! There were also netball games and scoop the "poop" or sausages, which the dogs thoroughly enjoyed, as they tried to eat as many as were scooped! The final game was a "pursuit", in which 2 competitors started at opposite ends of the stadium and raced against each other. Every one did well and they were some close calls but in the end Andrea Taylor won the 2-dog pursuit and Debi Scott took the 3-dog race.

If that wasn't enough excitement for once day we all had the pleasure of listening to a talk by Max Hall. He did a fabulous presentation with great pictures of his dogs and scenery of his Iditarod races. It was fascinating to hear how much care and attention the dogs received to make certain they were fit and well during the race, with many rules and regulations being in place to ensure their well being throughout the race, but not one to safeguard the musher's health!

After Max's talk and slide show there was an auction with some excellent prizes and yet more drinking, both in the name of raising money for welfare, which left some people with heavy heads and light pockets when Sunday morning dawned!

Sunday was bright and sunny and started with fun runs round the park and an exemption dog show. They were many breeds of dogs at the show, not just huskies and they all coped well in the warm weather.
They weekend drew to a close with the prize giving for those who had won in the exemption show and souvenirs for those who took part in the games. There were also lots of treats and food for the ones who we were all doing this for, the stars of the weekend, our beloved sibes!
I am sure everyone had a great time, I know we did as did our dogs, and join in the thanks to Marinda and everyone else who helped organise such a fantastic weekend. Here's hoping that next year's event will be even bigger and raise even more money for the welfare sibes!!

Author: Kelly Donaldson