Dozens of active duty police, military, and transit K-9 dogs and handlers from around the region will compete for top dog awards at the 2017 Western Connecticut Police K-9 Challenge on Saturday, October 7, at the Second Company Governor's Horse Guard (2GHG) in Newtown. This is the third year that the Newtown Kennel Club (NKC) and the Friends of the Second Company Governor's Horse Guard (Friends of 2GHG) will host the fundraising event at the 2GHG headquarters at 4 Wildlife Drive. The event kicks off at 10 am with K-9 competitions, all day kids' activities, and concludes with award ceremonies at 3 pm.

All proceeds will benefit the Friends of 2GHG, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organized by former members of the 2GHG for charitable and educational purposes. The Friends are dedicated to promoting the public interest in, and general welfare of, the 2GHG. The 2GHG was chartered in 1808 by the General Assembly as a Connecticut state militia unit and is one of the oldest and last active cavalry units in the United States. In recent years, as state funding has dwindled, the horse guard has had to rely on private donations to operate and stay at their facility in Newtown. Come out to support the 2GHG for this family friendly event with only a $5 suggestion parking donation. All kids' activities are free.

Calling All Sponsors/
Vendors/Advertisers

The 2017 Western Connecticut Police K-9 Challenge will be open to even more vendors this year. Last year attendees enjoyed a variety of vendors' products and merchandise as well as organizations' displays. Vendor fees are very affordable at $25 per 10-foot-by-10-foot area, located near the kids' activities field and the main K-9 competition ring. Vendors will have one hour to set up, starting at 9 am, before the event kicks off at 10. In addition, there are sponsorships available as well as advertising opportunities in the event booklet. For more information or to get an application, contact Gordon Johnson, 2GHG president, at stonybrookfarm@charter.net or by phone at 203-417-9253.

Teams including German shepherd dogs, Belgian Malinois and Labrador retrievers, will compete in suspect apprehension, obstacle course, tactical obedience, the fastest dog, and more. The nine highest-scoring teams, based on points earned in each division - Best Overall Team, Best K-9, and Best Handler - will earn a first, second, or third prize ribbon and medallion, donated by the Newtown Kennel Club. Back again this year is the Stephen A. Ketchum People's Choice Award, which will be given to a fan favorite K-9 team. For the safety of all, only Police K-9s are allowed on the grounds. Spectators are asked to please leave their dogs at home.

Family Fun Activities

Besides watching the thrilling and fast-paced competitions, kids can enjoy many of favorites and new free fun activities at the K-9 Challenge this year. There will be:

*Tractor Hay Rides - Ride in a hay-filled wagon pulled by a tractor around the 2GHG grounds.

*Treasure Hunt with Prizes - Kids of all ages can follow a treasure hunt map around the grounds to find clues to win prizes.

*Pumpkin Decorating in the Saint Michael Pumpkin Patch - Explore your creativity with markers, paint, glitter, and glue to make your Jack or Jill O' Lantern your own to bring home.

*Meet & Greet Cavalry Horses - Visit the paddocks to pet the brave horses of the Cavalry.

*Bouncy Castle - Who doesn't love this fun attraction!

*Two Car Shows - Double your automotive fun! One show of classic cars and one show of exotic cars.

*Food Trucks - And when hunger strikes, food trucks galore will be on-site. 

The 2017 Western Connecticut K-9 Challenge is sponsored by ACI Dynamix, K9CS, The Hometown Foundation, Inc, Thermo King, and Harvest Properties.

lisaunleashed.comLisa Peterson writes about history, horses, and hounds at ; contact her at .lisa@lisaunleashed.com