Paws and Prizes at the 17th Annual BowWow PowWow in Ramona
The BowWow PowWow Dog Show, hosted by The Kiwanis Club, on Saturday, September 13, brought the dog-loving community together for a tail-wagging day of fun, laughter, and furry competition. Dogs of all shapes and sizes showed off their costumes, tricks, and wagging tails, while families cheered, and local vendors offered treats and goodies for people and their pets.
From Best in Show to Most Talented Pup, the BowWow PowWow celebrated the bond between people and their four-legged companions, all while supporting local community programs. Registration began at 10 am, and the dog show was from 11 am to 3 pm. The Kiwanis food booth served hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, and root beer floats. Water and soda were also available. All of the proceeds go toward the Ramona Kiwanis Foundation, supporting children, military families, seniors, and local programs.
The nine show categories included: Best Costume (Adult’s Dog), Best Costume (Child’s Dog), Most Beautiful (Female), Most Handsome (Male), Dog and Owner Look-alike, Most Talented, Best Tail Wagger, Cutest Little Dog, and Best Kisser. There is also a Best in Show title. There were three judges for the event, including Tim Connelly, Ramona’s Honorary Mayor and Photographer of all things Ramona; Taylor Vincent, Ramona native and Realtor with Bernd Brokerage; and Anne Serdy, DVM, Veterinarian and Owner of Kritter Camp.
“Each year it grows more and more,” said Tiffany Lynch, president of the Kiwanis Club of Ramona. “The committee has worked really hard to make this event.” It’s run by volunteers, who do it because they love the event and the community. There were people and dogs of all ages, as well as rescue dogs competing in the fun categories, which really brought the community together. She added that this dog show has some not-so-serious categories and is not a beauty contest; last year’s winner was a senior dog.
“I love showing for people,” said 11-year-old contestant Olivia Karaginides. “I love attention and competition.” She borrowed Tessa Felber’s labradoodle, Girdie, for the dog show. She also participated in the event last year and appreciates the multiple categories that allow dogs to be showcased throughout the day. For the costume class, she and her 7-year-old pup dressed up as a lion and a lion tamer. She said her favorite category was best kisser because she likes Girdie’s kisses. Karaginides isn’t shy about meeting new people and dogs, and brought bright, spirited energy to the show ring that made her stand out.
Her mom, Megan Karaginides, who also grew up in Ramona, was there to cheer her on. They are second-generation Ramona residents who love the community events. They don’t have a dog of their own but enjoy attending the show. They do have two horses that they board at the International Equestrian Center.
The BowWow PowWow Dog show once again proved that it’s not just about ribbons and trophies, but about the joy of the community, the love between people and their pets, and the spirited memories that will last long after the show ended.
Photos by Tiffany Pressler.
