By Cali Bagby

Some of you may remember the film “Best in Show.” It’s about a dog competition where the confidence of the owners of two-time champion Standard Poodle, Rhapsody In White, is almost sinister and two yuppy lawyers anxiously search for the right squeaky toy for their neurotic Weimaraner, Beatrice.

Now Lopez is trying its hand at a similar event, and by similar I mean only that both events will have dogs.

This Saturday, Aug. 6 the Lopez Center for Community and the Arts presents the First Annual Lopez Community Canine Grande Promenade.

“Its going to be fun for number one,” said Jan Crossen, of the promenade coordinating committee. “It will also be educational.”

Michelle McDarmont, also on the committee, will demonstrate obedience and agility with her two dogs. There will be several informational exhibits from local organizations on pet health and training. There will also be a refreshment table for dogs and their owners, and a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses.

Robert Harrison, assistant director of the Community Center, was inspired to host this event because it’s a “way to have a fun family event for people and the dogs. There have been dog related events including a parade in the past, but nothing quite like this.”

Crossen and McDarmont got involved when Harrison reportedly asked, “You’re dog people why don’t you get involved?”

The two women couldn’t say no.

Crossen has five rescue dogs, a pug, two Japanese Chins, one toy spaniel, and a Shih Tzu and Chihuahua mix.

“When you’re in this business you get them,” said Crossen, who works at Community Animal Health.

McDarmont has a golden retriever and a border collie. She expects many golden retrievers will be entered in the promenade as they are a popular pet on the island.

Barbara Carver plans on entering her golden retriever Chester.

“I’m certain that he will at least strive for a blue ribbon in one of the competitions,” she said. “But he does have competition, there are a couple beautiful golden retrievers on the island.”

Carver has been joking with other dog owners that her dog will be taking the championship prize, as Carver has already made an appointment, off island, to have Chester groomed.

“He’ll be fluffy and clean and smell good,” she said

Dogs can win in several categories including the biggest and cutest. There will also be a dog and owner look-alike contest.

McDarmont explains how she looks similar to her golden retriever, in that she has light skin and light brown hair.

“It’s funny how many people look like their dogs,” said Crossen, who adds that none of her dogs share her appearance, but that one or two may share her exuberant personality.

You’re probably asking yourself, who will judge this competition?

Dr. Jerome Scherzinger, Lou Pray and Phyliss Potter are taking on the task of evaluating the island’s canines.

This is Pray’s first judging stint, but she is well-known around as a dog lover.

“I know a personable dog when I see it,” said Pray, who added that she is qualified to judge anything from the smallest dog to the best costume.

In the weeks leading up to the competition, tensions and excitement between dog owners rise.

Maybe not the tensions part.

“What really matters is that it’s going to be fun,” said Carver. “I don’t really care if we win and Chester doesn’t really care.”

For Crossen and McDarmont, it’s a time for dog owners to come together, to share their furry companions with like-minded individuals.

“It’s all about relationships,” Crossen said about people and their dogs. “It’s all about bonds.”

And, it’s a little bit about the prizes, too.

“May the best dogs win,” said Carver with a laugh.