Dogs from across the US come to Alexandria for 50th annual American Kennel Club show

Tails were wagging at the Ned Randolph Riverfront Center last weekend at the Mardi Gras Magic Dog Show as the Alexandria Kennel Club celebrated its 50th anniversary.

The celebration was supposed to happen last year but because of COVID, it was canceled, said Keith Bonin, show chairman.

"The club's been in existence a little over 50 years. It's made of members from the area," he said.

The dog show, typically held every January, is the club's biggest event drawing canines from all over the country.

"We usually have anywhere from 35-40 states represented," said Bonin. "Sometimes we'll have some from Canada. It's a big deal."

Texas usually has the most entries, even more than Louisiana, he said.

"We pull a lot of entries from Texas," said Bonin. "But generally the biggest entries will come from Mississippi or Arkansas or Texas or Louisiana."

Bonin said he spoke with a lady from California who visited a couple of dog shows in Texas. Since they were in the area, they decided to come to Alexandria.

"She'd never been to Louisiana so she's here for our show," said Bonin.

Mary Alice Lemm of Spring, Texas, has been showing dogs for over 40 years and coming to the Alexandria dog show for about 30 years.

"We have a good time," she said while grooming a cocker spaniel.

"We enjoy the people and the show site - the restaurants" she said. "It's a good show to visit friends and family."

And the judging is always good, she added.

To mark the special occasion, Atwood's Bakery made a special cake draped in Mardi Gas beads and doubloons and topped with the club's logo. During the four-day event, King Cake was also served.

For more information about the Alexandria Kennel Club, visit alexandriakennelclub.org

This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: Alexandria Kennel Club celebrates 50th anniversary at dog show