March 5-8

Williamson County Agricultural Exposition Park

Arguably it’s the highlight of the year for dog lovers in Franklin. I’m there when the first paw steps into the Expo Center and don’t leave until the final bark on Sunday.

It’s a great place for prospective dog owners to see most of the 160-plus breeds in The American Kennel Club. Last year’s count included 19 labs, 26 afghans and 67 boxers!

A couple years ago at this show I met Nancy Nier Prince, from whom I got Rosalynn, our Giant Schnauzer. I look forward to seeing her again this year.

It’s actually four separate shows. A “Best of Show” is named at the end of each day, and the whole process begins the next morning under different judges.

You can see the most action in the mornings, starting at 8:30 on Thursday and at 8 Friday-Sunday. But there’s still plenty going on in the middle to late afternoon when breed winners compete against the other dogs in their group (Terrier or Sporting, for instance). The seven group winners then compete for Best in Show, which takes place not too much before suppertime.

There’s a surprising number of Franklin dogs in the competition, but dogs come from all over the country. There’s also plenty of vendors.

It’s a great family outing. There’s a parking fee, but no admission charge

East off the Peytsonville Rd. exit. Then left on Long Road.

I shouldn’t be hard to spot…..I’ll be on a wheeled scooter contraption because of my torn Achilles. I’d like to meet every Franklin dog owner!

Randy

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