RICHMOND, Ind. – More than 5,700 United Kennel Club members and their families are expected to come to Richmond over Labor Day weekend for the 67th annual Autumn Oaks, one of the nation’s longest-running competitive coonhound events.
The event will be held at the Wayne County Fairgrounds & Exposition Center, continuing Richmond’s 37-year history of hosting Autumn Oaks.
Activities begin Tuesday and Wednesday with the UKC Pro Slam Elite competitions, which are expected to draw about 2,200 competitors. The Autumn Oaks events begin Thursday and continue through Sunday.
The influx of competitors and visitors is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy.
According to the Wayne County Convention and Tourism Bureau, the event is projected to generate an estimated $3.996 million in direct economic impact for Wayne County businesses. The estimate does not include spending by families and spectators.
Area hotels, restaurants and other businesses are expected to see increased activity throughout the event.
Thursday’s activities will start with the hunt portion of UKC’s National Dual Championship. The competition recognizes dogs that demonstrate both hunting ability and conformation-show quality.
Dogs that win a cast during Thursday’s hunt will be invited to participate in a conformation bench show Friday. Friday and Saturday will feature additional hunts and bench shows, with individual dogs competing based on titles they have earned in previous UKC competitions.
Vendors selling dog-related products and food trucks will also be available at the fairgrounds during the event.
The fairgrounds will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Parking is $10 per vehicle for the weekend at the main entrance for Friday and Saturday activities.
