>> For more pictures and details about Eastern Idaho Fairgrounds, a park in the area, and hotels where you can leave reviews, see the Eastern Idaho Fairgrounds expanded section.
The East Idaho Spring Classic Dog Shows June 13-16, 2019 in Blackfoot, Idaho had a lot to offer every dog competitor and guest. Two clubs, the Pocatello Kennel Club and the Eagle Rock Kennel Club, hosted the event. Along with four days of agility they had conformation, obedience, rally, FAST CAT (Friday/Saturday only), and Scent Work. Other special events included:
- The National Owner-Handled Series Celebration
- 4-6 Month Puppy Competition (Friday)
- An all-breed Puppy Match (Saturday)
- Aloha Yappy Hour Luau (Friday) just for the fun of it
- Celebrate the Great Outdoors Bar-B-Que (Saturday)
- An eye clinic offered by Mountain West Veterinary Ophthalmology to get your dog’s eye certification
No getting bored at this event!
GPS gets you close
Your GPS takes you to the main fairgrounds entrance, but for agility, you enter through the back. Outside the fairgrounds, there are no actual signs for agility, but if you follow the RV parking signs they will point you toward the entrance you need off Jones Street. Once inside the back gate, you’ll spot the first agility sign. The road leads you past a gravel parking lot, RV parking, and finally to the outdoor agility ring.
Masterfully coordinated by the Pocatello Kennel Club
The Pocatello Kennel Club hosted the agility trial. The club was started in 1966 and began hosting agility trials in 2002. They do a great job of filling all the worker spots to help keep things moving quickly. Workers are provided with raffle tickets, free lunch, snacks and drinks in appreciation of their help.
“My dogs love running on grass and those trials aren’t so easy to find any more,” said competitor Jan Skurzynski. “This is one of our favorite sites to run.”
The club uses one judge on Thursday/Friday and a different judge Saturday/Sunday. They have flat ribbons for qualifying runs and all placements. Double Q pins are available for all Masters level competitors. There are blue and purple New Title rosettes as well as MACH and PACH ribbons. All of the clubs hosting dog events do a good job dealing with conflicts that arise due to people entering multiple events with their dogs. You can only imagine how tricky this can be.
Sometimes . . . there’s snow!
The weather was perfect this weekend – sunny with a nice cool breeze. This allowed the dogs to have lots of fun running. Competitors say there have been many years with snow – yes, in June – due to the altitude.
While the agility was outside, some other events and grooming areas were inside air-conditioned (sometimes heated?) buildings. There was something to see across the entire fairgrounds.
RV area just for agility
RV parking is available throughout the fairgrounds, with prior reservations required. There are specific spots for agility that are just across the drive from the ring – very close! You’ll find 20 and 30 amp electric spots in this area, but no water. Extension cords are recommended. Alternate RV parking with water and electric hook-up is available at the RV Park, one block from the exhibitor’s entrance. There’s a dump station there too. RV day parking on the fairgrounds is available for a small fee but doesn’t offer hookups. There are no showers on site and no restrictions on generator usage.
The restrooms for “cowboys” and “cowgirls” are just across from the ring. The only vendor in the agility area of the fairgrounds was the food vendor, but people raved about the homemade food they purchased there. Other vendors could be found in the conformation/obedience area of the fairgrounds. There is also free wi-fi available on the grounds. For more information on this annual event go to https://blackfootdogshow.org
Relaxing park nearby provides get-away from the fair
If you want to get away from the dog show for just a little bit, a less than 10 minute drive will take you to a place to walk your dog – Jensen Grove Lake. Swimming, small boats and fishing are also allowed in this beautiful park, located at 733-793 E Airport Rd, Blackfoot, ID 83221. It is close to the Wal-Mart with easy access to local chain restaurants and highway access. This is also near the local dog-friendly hotels in Blackfoot — Best Western and Super8.
Wherever your dog agility travels take you, this is a fun and interesting trial to add to your list!