Press Release

THIRTEENTH SOUTHERN MAINE COASTAL CLASSIC DOG SHOWS RETURN

Southern Maine Coastal Classic returns to Cumberland Fairgrounds with four days of AKC All Breed Conformation Dog Shows. Shows run from Thursday, May 16, through Sunday, May 19, 2024, beginning at 8am each day, outdoors rain or shine.

York County Kennel Club of Maine, Inc and Vacationland Dog Club, Inc invite the public to meet some of AKC’s 180+ recognized breeds and observe the various activities throughout the day. Breeds represented include Golden Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, Bearded Collies and many more. If you’re looking for a particular breed, chances are it will be represented, and you can speak with the handlers when they’re not showing.

Each day’s activities include regular conformation concluding with a Best in Show winner. Conformation is the “beauty contest” where each dog is judged based on its breed description.

New this year is the Pee Wee Class Special Attraction. Open to children 5 years old to 9 years old and their dog, this event allows them to enter the show ring and be mentored by a real AKC approved judge rather than be judged against the other entrants. This is a free entry, and participants may enter up to 30 minutes before ring time at the Club Tent. Each child must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult, and each dog must be 6 months or older but need not be an AKC purebred dog. For more details go to yckc.org.

Junior handlers are important to the future of the sport so Junior Showmanship all four days. Open to children 9 to 18 years old, with Open, Intermediate and Novice classes, the child is judged on his/her ability to handle and present the dog rather than the dog being judged. Junior handlers must have an AKC Junior Handler number to compete at these shows.

Puppies as young as 6 months old can compete, and Friday and Sunday a 4 to 6 Month Beginner Puppy Competition is a special event for new, prospective show dogs to learn the ropes.

While at the show be sure to check out the vendors selling food (for people) and dog-related items.

The Thirteenth Southern Maine Coastal Classic takes place on May 16 – May 19 at Cumberland Fairgrounds, 174 Bruce Hill Road, Cumberland, Maine. Admission each day is $5 per vehicle. There is ample parking inside the fairgrounds.

Founded in 1945, Vacationland Dog Club, Inc is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of purebred dogs through public education and responsible dog ownership. York County Kennel Club of Maine, Inc is a not-for-profit organization whose goals are to protect and advance the interests of purebred dogs through AKC performance events and community education activities.