SASKATOON — The fluffiest day of the year took place as the fourth annual Corgi Day was held May 25 at Crossmount, near Saskatoon. It was a corgieous day.
Did you know this event was borne out of a demo held at Crossmount entitled Dog Pawty? The popularity of this inaugural pup party, and the excitement and enthusiasm it generated, inspired the annual Corgi races, now held at this venue.
The very first year a small group of Saskatchewan Corgi enthusiasts organized a race event was in Martensville at Busker Days in 2022. Spokesperson for Sask. Corgi Racers, Kate Kading, said, “We expected 50 people to show up and 700 did. The chaos was incredible.” So was the fun had.
Since that event, the group has also been asked to be part of an intermission entertainment package at a Saskatoon Blades game.
Kading says they are not a business, and the event is all run by volunteers with the help of very generous sponsors.
Hundreds of people flocked to Crossmount to take in vendors, a photo booth, food and beverage booth, Corgi costume parade, and the races themselves.
This event is free to attend.
The May 25 event included 53 registered racers and parade participants.
Let’s paws for a moment and learn a little about this beloved canine breed. The popularity of Corgis continues to grow. Kading said they are a quirky breed and most well known for being the Queen’s dogs. Social media has expanded the breed’s popularity.
Corgis are well loved for their charming personalities, seemingly never-ending smiles and distinctive appearance, with short legs and long bodies.
Corgis were originally used to herd cattle and sheep.
Queen Elizabeth II was a devoted Corgi owner, having more than 30 of these dogs in her lifetime.
The Crossmount Corgi races showcase the dogs’ playful and social nature.
While some of the racers were experienced and knew the task at hand, showing their competitive side, others were purely enjoying the attention factor and soaking up the cheers.
Corgi races are simple recreational events, and Kading said there are no other events in Saskatchewan like this at present.
The event offers a fabulous day out with fellow Corgi lovers. And, while the race heats themselves may descend into chaos — since many of the dogs are not trained athletes but fun-loving pets, a handler holds the dog until the starter goes while a co-handler sits at the other end encouraging their pet to run to them, thus completing the track.
However, the fun also comes when some dogs, instead of crossing the finish line, choose to chase their new friends in that race heat, mingle with the crowds, or flee the track entirely. It’s all part of the appeal and what attracts people to the feel-good event.
It is the best infusion of pet therapy you can get, because let’s face it — can you look at a Corgi and not want to smile right back at them? Combine that with the great outdoors, a fur-tastic activity and it’s a full afternoon of happiness fulfillment.
