Ultimate Air Dogs

 My primary reason for heading up and over the mountains to Asheville for Bele Chere is the chance to take in a diverse array of musical groups for cheap. It costs me nothing more than the car trip, as admission is free. There were 4 stages, each with 4 musical groups playing between noon and 10pm.

Along with the music there are hordes of people (an artifact of free admission), food vendors, arts and crafts for sale, an interactive performance area and kid and family friendly events. The pictures I'm posting here along with this video link are from the family friendly portion of Bele Chere.

http://www.ultimateairdogs.com/youtube.html

Ultimate Air Dogs is the brain child of former Detroit Tigers pitcher Milt Wilcox. Started back in 2005 in conjunction with his son Brian, their show offers a variety of water events including dock jumping and lure coursing. Getting involved as a competitor with his lab Sparky after seeing the great Outdoor Games on ESPN in 1984, Milt so enjoyed the events that he went on to founded Ultimate Air Dogs.

Any dog can compete, regardless of size or pedigree. Most of the competitors Saturday were dogs associated with the water, Newfoundlands,  various Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and at least one Curly coated Retriever.

 Once upon a time, about 20 years ago, I owned an Airedale Terrier that would have been a natural at these events,but my current pack is rather reluctant around the water.


Carina