Hiya

I am a volunteer (and my hubby is a consultant on the comittee) for Cheshire Dog's Home and I am organising their annual 'dog show'.  I wondered if any of you have ever done anything like this before?

Last year's was a total flop, and in a moment of 'stupidness!' I offered to organise the next one. The date has been set for 8 July. I need to organise stalls for people to have a look at and I also need to get some prizes to raffle off and organise some other forms of 'attractions'.

The Dogs Home has one of these every year, and the pressure is on me to do well at this one!

What would attract you to attend an open day?  I am thinking about things like bouncy castle/face painting to keep the kids entertained, but I am struggling with what would keep the adults around a bit longer (stay longer, spend more money!)

If anyone can offer any help at all, I would be very grateful.

Thanks in advance

Jo

I can always be tempted to events by the promise of some food!! There may be some good local producers that would come along and set up some nice food stalls, like homemade cakes, speciality cooked sausages etc...you could also have one for the dogs - persuade some people to cook up their own doggie delights and sell them off to people, with some samples on offer so they can test their dogs enthusiasm for them!


Keep us posted on how it's progressing. Where abouts in Cheshire is it by the way?

An agility demonstration and doggie dancing demo are crowd pleasers if you have room for an arena. Ask your local agility club.

An obstacle course for people to have a go at with their dogs is always very popular too. They can earn a certificate for completing the course. Perhaps have rosettes on offer for the fastest time in different categories. That'll keep people coming back for another go and keep them hanging around to see if they have won. 

Sounds like it's going to be a great event - i've got it in the diary so hopefully i'll be able to come too, as i'm not too far from Cheshire!

(It will also have the added bonus of it being the first step down the path to persuading my other half that another dog would be nice, and 'oh look, what nioce dogs they have here in Cheshire Dogs home'.....oh i'm so sneaky...)

Not at all, think it's a wonderful idea.

Incidentally, would you rather give money or petfood, or are you equally happy with either? Are you going to advise people what the suggested donation amount is, or leave it up to them? Not sure what generates most to be honest...

Also, do you also have the opportunity for people to fill in standing order mandates to donate regularly if they want to? Often people like to do this if presented with the option (although maybe not ideal to do this at the entrance as it takes too long, but maybe you could set up a stall elsewhere for interested poeple to do this at?)

I think your idea of a standing order mandate is a fantastic one - thanks 

The Dog's home will have a stand themselves where we sell food, collars, etc., so I think I will get some forms printed up and have them on that stall.  We could have them in reception, but hopefully they will be busy selling dogs!

We are happy with either - food or money.  I don't think it makes a huge difference really...

Above all plenty of things for the dogs to do. The 'doing'competitions are more fun than the 'best of this, that and the other' type. Perhaps a fun agility run, and best of all a scurry. Is there any water around for a water retrieve for dogs that like to fetch out of water? Game fairs have lots of fun things like this for any breed of dog and you could copy some of their ideas. Where about in Cheshire are you - I'd be happy to help if you need another body. PM me if you like. Also, if the date doesn't conflict with a show I might be able to arrange for a flyball display (see my avatar)  .