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Get Away: Hot Ticket
By Times staff writer
© St. Petersburg Times,
published July 19, 2001
Every dog has his day
[Times files 1998] |
If the recent comedy hit Best of Show is all you know about dog shows, consider checking out the AKC-sanctioned Tampa Bay Kennel Club Dog Show, today through Sunday at the Florida State Fairgrounds. The all-breed event starts out small with about 500 dogs 11 a.m.-8 p.m. today, builds to 1,800 dogs 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, and then to 2,200, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.
This isn't just for folks who beribbon their chows and dream of Westminster. "It's a good place for people to go to get familiar with breeds, talk to handlers and find out what to expect if they get a puppy," said event coordinator Mary Manning. "We encourage people to come with their families."
But is it at all like Best of Show? "That was hysterical," laughed Manning, who bred basset hounds for 25 years. "It's a bit of an exaggeration, but that's pretty much it. There really are people who think of their dogs as their children."
The fairgrounds are on U.S. 301 off Interstate 4, Tampa. Admission is $3 adults, $1 for ages 5-11; parking $5. Call (813) 264-9836 or (813) 621-7821.
Summer Safari
[Times files 1997]
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While we won't quite agree that it's cool in the evening, it's definitely cooler than it is in the daytime, particularly if there's been an afternoon shower. That makes Friday an excellent time to go to Lowry Park Zoo. The Summer Safari Event, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., offers live entertainment while you visit your favorite critters. There will also be a Birds of Prey show at 7, a Reptile Encounter show at 7:30, and all restaurants, gift shops and beer/wine stands will be open.
Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa. $7 adult, $5 for ages 3-11, free for children 2 and younger; members free. Call (813) 935-8552.
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