DENMARK — Pedigree be damned: The Denmark Arts Center is pleased to host the first-ever Denmark Mutt Show, a juried-show for the dog-days of summer. Every dog will win a prize, and the whole thing benefits Harvest Hills Animal Shelter.

First prize includes a DAC goodie bag (heavy on the DAM JAM merchandise) and a bunch of sundries from various pet supply stores in the area valued at more than $50.

The DAC will be transformed into a showplace worthy of the mangiest of mutts, as dogs are paraded down our central runway, to strut their stuff for three judges, who will will rate your mutt on poise (lack thereof earns a bonus!), smell, disobedience, and proletarian demeanor. Judges will include a certified Vet from Bridgton General Hospital; a local dog groomer, and the dog-loving staff of the DAC itself.

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” notes DAC Artistic Director Jamie Hook. “When we behold the common mutt, we see God’s handiwork unadorned by the overeager hand of man. Westminster is for sissies: Everyone knows that the best breed is mongrel.”

Oh, and unlike those other dog shows, the show will happily let purebreds compete as well: Bonus points for purebreds with “issues.”

The event is set for 3 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, at 50 West Main St.

The entry fee is $5 per mutt. The entire show is a benefit for Harvest Hills Animal Shelter in Fryeburg — a haven for mutts of all stripes just down the road.


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