Last year's show drew 54 contestants and a packed school gym of dog fans.
Excited pooches and a bleachers filled with eager dog lovers are seen at last year's dog show at Holyoke High School.
HOLYOKE - Offering categories like "Walks with an Attitude," the city's second annual dog show is scheduled to be held March 2 at Holyoke High School as part of the Winter Carnival.
The "Hot Dogs on a Cold Day" show will be 1 to 3 p.m. at the school at 500 Beech St.
The Winter Carnival, which also debuted last year, will feature numerous events at various sites from March 1 to 3.
All dogs must be licensed and accompanied by people who are 14 or older, said Teresa M. Shepard, director of the the Parks and Recreation Department.
Ribbons for first, second and third place will be awarded to dogs and owners by a panel of three judges, she said.
Last year's show drew 54 canine contestants as adults and children filled the high school gym to laugh at the dogs' antics and cheer them on.
"It was one of the funnest things we've done in a long time and it brought all facets of our community together," Shepard said.
"It was fun for everybody, those of us who put it on, the volunteers, even the dogs had fun," she said.
The registration fee is $8.00 per dog, but the event is open to people for free.
Each dog can compete in up to two categories. Owners are responsible to clean up after their dogs.
The maximum number of participants is 25 per category and the deadline to register is Feb. 26.
Veterinarian and pet supply agencies are welcome to participate by setting up an informational table. For information about donating or providing donations call (413) 322-5620 or email houlec@ci.holyoke.ma.
Anyone interested in volunteering can call the same number or email sheppart@ci.holyoke.ma.us
The Winter Carnival will begin at 6 p.m. on March 1 with a plan for a 1,000-strong "luminaria," which are candles set in sand inside a paper bag, placed along the walkways leading to the skating path at Community Field off Cherry Street.
Other events, some free and others requiring admission fee, include cake decorating, a concert, a hockey game between Holyoke and Chicopee firefighters, a domino tournament and spaghetti dinner.
The Winter Carnival schedule is at holyokewintercarnival.org/schedule