Parish to host retriever dog hunt test

More then 500 retriever dogs and nearly 400 handlers are expected to participate in the Fall Grand planned Oct. 6 to 10 at Grand Prairie.
The Fall Grand is one of two semi-annual International Grand Hunts conducted by the Hunting Retriever Club’s International Grand Hunt Committee at selected host club locations.
The October hunt test will take place in The Grand Prairie and Washington area.
Celeste Gomez, St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission director, announced the dog event in a news release.
The Grand is a hunt test for Hunting Retriever Champions during which actual hunting conditions found throughout the country are duplicated.
Hunting Retriever Club is associated with the United Kennel Club.
The successful completion of two of these Grand tests will qualify a Hunting Retriever Champion for the Kennel Club title of Grand Hunting Retriever Champion.
Now after 61 of these competitions held across the United States, southwest Louisiana will welcome a record-breaking entry of 582 dogs and their 375 handlers. Also in attendance will be HRC officials, dog owners and spectators who appreciate the skill of retrieval and sport of hunting, the news release stated.
Prior to the start date, participants from not only the U.S., but also Canada, will be getting to know more about St. Landry Parish, as they familiarize themselves with the back roads most will be traveling.
Accommodations throughout the Parish have rooms and sites already booked and more are expected. Stores and restaurants are encouraged to prepare for an increase in sales, as arrivals will begin the last week of September for a two and a half week span, the news release stated.
“Needless to say that this event will have a tremendous impact on our local economy,”, Gomez, said. “And we want to ensure that all experience the things we are known for around the world – our food, music and friendliness”
The event is open to the public, which is asked to dress in dark colored clothing or camouflage.
For more information contact Cajun Retriever Club member, Ken Vidrine, at 337-351-1538.