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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 15, 2009

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City is the Super Bowl for the K-9 set, but Tampa Bay area residents have a show worth boasting about too - one that draws people from all over the world to the rolling countryside of Hernando County every winter.

The Florida Classic Clusters, which began Jan. 8 and concludes Sunday, is the largest dog show in Florida. Named one of the Southeast's top 20 events by the Southeast Tourist Association, the show features scores of dogs - more than 22,000 entries last year alone - competing in an open parklike setting between Brooksville and Ridge Manor. This year is the 10th anniversary.

But the Florida Clusters is much more than a showcase for dogs. It has a fair-like atmosphere, albeit appropriately controlled.

Humans have a great time, lunching on barbecue, corn dogs and other food sold by vendors and educating themselves about the numerous breeds and lines of dog food and care products.

Handlers frequently make themselves available to answer questions and let admirers pet their dogs, helping socialize them and enabling spectators to better enjoy the friendly atmosphere. And "behind-the-scenes" tours are offered.

It's a great time made possible by the collaborative efforts of kennel clubs from Pinellas, Citrus, Pasco, Hillsborough and Manatee counties.

Our advice: Bring a folding chair; you'll stay longer than you planned. Your four-legged friend also is welcome - on a leash.

If You Go

The Florida Classic Clusters is held at Florida Classic Park, 5360 Lockhart Road, Brooksville, 34602, off State Road 50 just west of Interstate 75. It runs from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. Admission is free; parking is $5. Sunday is the last day of this year's classic.

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