KANAB – A stately array of greyhounds – dogs, not buses – has descended on Kanab for the 12th annual Greyhound Gathering, taking place this weekend in Kane County.
This assembly of more than 200 rescued greyhounds and their owners marks the largest gathering of greyhound enthusiasts in the western United States, annually drawing participants from around the U.S. as well as Canada and England.
Greyhound owners and their four-legged friends travel to Kanab each year for a weekend of furry fun to celebrate the sleek canine that is the greyhound and to support the efforts of Kanab’s Greyhound Gang, a nonprofit advocacy and fundraising group that promotes the rescue, rehabilitation and adoption of greyhounds.
“This gathering is a celebration of these rescued ‘45 mph couch potatoes’ and the families who love them,” said Claudia Presto, founder of the Greyhound Gang and organizer of the event.
The Greyhound Gathering kicked off on Thursday and Friday with a private reception for participants and group members and other members-only events.
On Saturday and Sunday, the public is invited to join in the canine carousing for a lineup of spectator events:
- At 10 a.m. Saturday, the Greyhound Gang costume parade will see hounds and owners alike donning colorful costumes as they march down Center Street, strutting their stuff for the chance to win prizes.
- From 1-3 p.m. Saturday, the annual Canine Carnival will take place at Kanab Elementary School, 41 W. 100 North. There will be booths, games, a greyhound talent show and even a doggie fortune teller. Tickets for the booths are “Greyt Bucks,” which can be purchased from volunteers at the carnival.
- From 9-11 a.m. Sunday, the “Blur of Fur” will take place at Kanab Elementary School. Participating greyhounds will be allowed off their leashes and given the chance to return to their racing roots. Hounds will take turns running down a strip of grass as their speeds are clocked by a radar gun, courtesy of the Kanab Police Department. Spectators are invited to come and cheer at this running of the hounds, and the fastest greyhounds will be awarded prizes at a ceremony later in the day.
While all are welcome to attend these spectator events, bringing one’s own pets is discouraged unless they are registered participants. With more than 200 greyhounds in attendance, Presto said, the presence of any outside dogs could cause a disturbance.
Event details
- When: Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11
- Where: Parade takes place on Center Street in Kanab; Canine Carnival and Blur of Fur take place at Kanab Elementary School, 41 W. 100 North
- Admission: Free, but booth and game tickets can be purchased at Canine Carnival
- Contact: For additional information about the Greyhound Gang, visit the organization’s website; for a Greyhound Gathering schedule of events, visit the event page
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