Kingston Sheep Dog Trials Festival Returning to Grass Creek Park

Published on: 2019/07/03 - in News

The Kingston Sheep Dog Trials Festival returns again this year, bringing family and pet-friendly fun to Grass Creek Park .

Now in its 32nd year, the annual sheep dog trials is the largest festival of its kind in North America and has been named in Festivals and Events Ontario’s Top 100 events list for 11 years straight.

This year, the trials will be held from Friday, Aug. 9 to Sunday, Aug. 11 with day passes available for purchase at TicketPro until Aug.8 for $10 a person. Tickets purchased on August 9 or later are $15 per person both at the gate and online. Kids ages 12 and under are free.


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“Dog lovers – and sheep lovers – this festival is for you. Come see border collies herd sheep in timed trials and take in our many great festival attractions at beautiful Grass Creek Park on the shores of the St. Lawrence,” said Jenny Cruz, assistant supervisor of special events. “Plan to enjoy this unique rural, summer festival with family and friends.”

Free shuttle bus will be available and are dog-friendly as long as the dog is on a leash. The buses will be departing from the Toys R Us parking lot, the Kingston Memorial Centre and the Marriott Hotel at Kings Crossing. More details about the shuttles can be found on the City’s Feature Events.

There will also be limited parking available at Grass Creek Park., located at 2991 Highway 2, including accessible parking and drop-off areas.

Anyone planning to bring their dog to the park is asked to ensure to keep him/her on a leash while on the grounds. Attendees are also reminded to bring sunscreen and a refillable water bottle for the Utilities Kingston water buggy.

The Grass Creek Beach will be open by admission only between Aug. 9 and 11. The dog park will close to the public from Aug. 3 to 12 and the boat launch will close Aug. 7 to 12.


Schedule of events:

The sheep dog trials run daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Festival attractions run throughout the weekend and include a wide variety of activities and demonstrations, including:

  • Dockdogs Worldwide;
  • Wolf Creek carvings;
  • Woof Jocks Canine All-Stars Agility;
  • Dog Lovers Days Canadian Canine Lure Course and doggie play zone;
  • Kingston Police K9 demos and engagement trailer;
  • Kingston Police Mounted Unit;
  • Durham Farm mobile agricultural exhibit;
  • Spinning and weaving demos;
  • Sheep to Shawl competition;
  • Shawl auction;
  • Blacksmith demos;
  • Face-painting;
    * Vendors Market Place;
  • Local food vendors;
  • And so much more!

 


Photo: Wikimedia Commons – C. MacMillan (cc)