April 20 - 23, 2023 Schedule
Thursday, April 20, 2023
4 PM
Welcome Parade / Blessing of the Hounds / Social
Bring your hounds and come to our Welcome Parade for the Blessing of the Hounds, a Hot Dog Social, Free Raffle, and a Goodie Bag
Location: Gettysburg Outlet Mall Parking Lot (by the flag pole)
7 PM
Bill's Get-to-Know-You Game Night*
The Axell family will again provide a fun evening of games and surprises designed to help you get to know other guests, meet up with old friends, and maybe win prizes!
Location: Grand Ballroom, Eisenhower Hotel
* Event Ticket Required
Cost: $2/person
Friday, April 21, 2023 - Allstar Center Opens at 10 AM
8:00 AM Battlefield Walk (No ticket or bracelet required)
"Monuments to a Monumental Battle"
Bill Thomas, Licensed Battlefield Guide
Update:
Meet your guide, Bill Thomas, at the Longstreet Equestrian Monument, on West Confederate Avenue (#6 on the Auto Tour Map). West Confederate Avenue is one-way going south, so access is from town. The closest street address would be 89-99 West Confederate Avenue (monuments don't really have street addresses), but it's obvious when you get there. (Note that you don't need a bracelet to attend this event, and dogs are encouraged.)
This walking tour will visit and discuss different types of monuments on the battlefield. You will learn to read the symbolism incorporated into some of the monuments and how their placement on the battlefield relates to the story of the battle itself. You will discover that each monument is a message from the past. The history of these monuments will teach us who is speaking and how to interpret what they have to say.
10:00 AM Allstar Center Opens (Registration/Vendor Shopping/Raffle Ticket Sales)
11:00 AM Speaker #1, Activities Area, Allstar Center (Bracelet Required)
Charles Blanning
“Greyhound Racing – The Early Days”
Greyhound historian and writer Charles Blanning of England will tell the story of how Greyhound racing began in the early years of the 20th century. It’s a fascinating tale of the famous Greyhounds of the time and how the sport spread across the United States and worldwide. Discover the history of the early pioneers, like Owen Patrick Smith, who invented the first electrically driven lure, and of the first stars of the track, like Mission Boy, Racing Ramp, and Traffic Officer.
Charles Blanning has a lifetime’s experience with Greyhounds. His family began breeding and competing with Greyhounds a century ago. He served as the Keeper of the Greyhound Stud Book in the UK for twenty years. As a journalist, he has written for the UK’s chief racing daily, “The Racing Post,” and Ireland’s weekly “Sporting Press.” He is the author of numerous books about the greyhound, including “The Greyhound and the Hare” and “Please Mister-The Golden Age of Greyhound Racing.” He is currently writing a Greyhound novel, “Rags To Riches,” and will share some news about the story it tells.
12:00 Noon Speaker #2, Activities Area, Allstar Center (Bracelet Required)
Barry Coleman, Care & Welfare Manager, Greyhound Racing, Ireland
For those of you who have been receiving greyhounds from Ireland, you will recognize this name from the Irish Greyhound Trust! Barry is coming to our event, and he's excited to talk with us about the Irish efforts to expand the network of groups receiving Irish dogs and to give us some insights about their adoption program there. Join us and meet this tireless and dedicated member of our adoption team!
1:00 PM Speaker #3, Activities Area, Allstar Center (Bracelet Required)
Donna DeVoist, President of American Windsprite Club
"Meet the Breed"
Have you ever thought you might like a slightly smaller sighthound? A Windsprite might be the answer. Come meet the National club president to hear about the breed and meet a couple of cuties.
2:00 PM Speaker #4, Activities Area, Allstar Center (Bracelet Required)
Brad Stone, Docent, National Museum of Civil War Medicine, Frederick, MD
The Civil War & Christmas
Brad will discuss how the Civil War helped to forge the uniquely American Christmas holiday, which blends the spiritual with the joy of giving. The Civil War even formed the modern version of Santa Claus, and you might even get to meet him! This is a fun event featuring trivia and prizes.
"Brad Stone is a former U.S. Government Senior Public Affairs Executive who headed the Public Affairs operations of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. He combines his interest in the Civil War and medical history by volunteering at both the National Museum of Civil War Medicine and aboard the USS Constellation in Baltimore Harbor.
3:00 PM Speaker #5, Activities Area, Allstar Center (Bracelet Required)
Sara Haus, VMD
"Corn Update: What They Are and How to Manage Them"
Sara, who has been studying the latest research about corns, will update us on several theories of what causes these pesky lesions on the pads of our beloved hounds. She will also discuss several options to manage them. In addition, she will be inviting medical questions from you about hound health. The Greyhound Health Initiative will be supplying the latest research from Dr. Doughty, and they will also be doing the swabs again during GiG.
Sara Haus, VMD, has been practicing at Centre Animal Hospital in State College for nine years. Her love of greyhounds flowered early in 2020 when Nittany Greyhounds began bringing dogs needing spay/neuter/medical care to the practice. She quickly became smitten with the breed and now has two of her own. She has an interest in orthopedics and frequently works with leg injuries.
4:00 PM Vendor Shopping/Registration Closes)
4:15 PM PAPER MACHE CARTUNA HOUND SPECTACULAR ART CLASS with STEVE WIRTZ *
A fun do-it-yourself workshop that allows you to create a paper mache sculpture in the style of master sculptor Steve Wirtz. This 2 ½ hour class will have you gluing paper strips over pre-made wire armatures (forms). That's right; the hard part is done for you. Wirtz will show you tips and techniques to make the most spectacular sculpture! Absolutely no artistic talent needed. Just show up wearing clothes you don't mind getting messy and a rag or towel to wipe off your hands every now and then. All other supplies/materials provided. Additional wire forms/kits will be available for purchase at the workshop. Don't miss it!
Location: Allstar Center Cafeteria
* Event Ticket Required
Registration Sold Out
6:30 PM Iggy Spectacular*
If you have ever wanted to meet Italian Greyhounds or have an Iggy and would like to have them interact with other Iggies in a fun, safe environment, then this event is for you! We will get together for a light buffet meal, playtime for the dogs, a Chinese Auction, and other fun activities. All proceeds will benefit Italian Greyhound Rescue/Adoption.
Location: Grand Ballroom, Eisenhower Hotel
* Event Ticket Required
Cost: $25/person
6:30 PM Bonfire / Live Music / Food / Wine-Tastings
Hauser Hill Event Center (formerly Hauser Estate Winery) will host us with a bonfire, live music, food options, and drinks (wine, Sangria & beer cash sales). A heated tent (if necessary), wine-tasting room, terrace and deck are all open to you and your hounds. There are stunning views in every direction, so bring a chair or blanket, your hound(s) and join us for a relaxing evening under the stars (rain or shine; the tent is heated).
(No ticket or bracelet required)
Location: Hauser Hill Event Center, 410 Cashtown Road, Biglerville
Saturday, April 22, 2023 - Allstar Center Opens at 9 AM
8:00 AM Sunrise Symposium at Seminary Ridge Museum*
"Artillery on Seminary Ridge"
On the afternoon of July 1, 1863, more than 20 United States cannons occupied Seminary Ridge, one of the highest artillery concentrations on the Gettysburg battlefield. At least 18 Confederate guns occupied the same ground for the next two days. Visit an original cannon, hear the stories of the soldiers who operated these guns, and discover the artillery's lasting impacts upon the Lutheran Seminary Campus. Note that this is information relayed from first-hand accounts, a human experience more than military tactics.
This seminar will also include a free ticket for admission to the Museum, good for any time over the weekend (sorry, dogs are not allowed inside the Museum proper).
Location: Seminary Ridge Museum 111 Seminary Rdg, Gettysburg, PA 17325
*Event Ticket Required
Cost: $5/person
8:30 AM ART WORKSHOP with GREYHOUND DESIGN ARTIST LINDA K EVANS*
Once again, Linda will offer us an opportunity to sit with her for inspiration, and you will end up with a piece of artwork you created! Linda will provide all the supplies for you to create your very own art, with her as your coach. Colored pencils, non-aerosol spray paint, greyhound templates, natural elements - leaves, twigs etc., markers, pens and mat board all jump into the mix to make your own "Hidden Hound" art! No prior art experience is necessary, and all materials are provided. Bring along your love of hounds and nature. Bring home your finished and framed masterpiece!
Registration is capped at 15, so don't wait!
Location: Allstar Center Cafeteria
*Event Ticket Required - Sold Out
10:00 AM Speaker #1, Activities Area, Allstar Center (Bracelet Required)
John Parker
"Who Will Breed -- and Test -- The American Greyhound in the Future ?"
Longtime Greyhound enthusiast, adoption group leader and hobbyist breeder John Parker will discuss the role the growing community of responsible hobbyist Greyhound breeders will play in preserving American racing bloodlines in the future while helping to meet the demand for Greyhounds as pets. He will talk about the joys and challenges of raising a Greyhound puppy and how to find a responsible Greyhound breeder.
John Parker adopted his first former racer in 1994 and has been an active adoption volunteer and all-around Greyhound enthusiast. John acquired his first Greyhound puppy in 2007 and established a Greyhound breeding program in 2011 to help to preserve and extend the English coursing Greyhound bloodlines. Since then, he has bred seven litters of Greyhound puppies from racing and coursing bloodlines. John lives with his wife Laura on their small farm in Georgia, just south of Atlanta, with their 13 Greyhounds, 1 Whippet and 3 horses.
11:00 AM Costume Contest (gather in the Activities Area of the Allstar Center)
This year the four categories will be "Best Group," Best Other Animal," "Best Military" and "Best Do Your Own Thing." A cash prize will be awarded in each category.
Location: Gather in the Activities Area of the Allstar Center
11:30 AM Ice Cream Social
Hosted by Senior Sighthound Sanctuary
Donations Accepted
Location: Just outside of the Activities Area in the Allstar Center
12:00 Noon Speaker #2, Activities Area, Allstar Center (Bracelet Required)
Gary Brown, DVM, Animal Care Center, Sun Valley WV
The Italian Greyhound/Small Sighthound Health Universe
Gary, beloved in the Iggie world, will discuss the special needs of small sighthounds - from orthopedic injuries to knee rebuilding and other health topics specific to Italian Greyhounds, but relevant to most small sighthounds.
Gary Brown, DvM, has been active with his vet clinic since 1984. In 2013, he was honored with the West Virginia VMA Veterinarian of the Year and the Virginia VMA/Maryland VMA/VMRCVM Mentor of the year Awards. An enthusiastic aviator, he holds both helicopter and fixed wing licenses. He also belongs to the Harley Owners Group, Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, Antique Automobile Club of America, Family Motor Coach Association and the Italian Greyhound Club of America.
1:00 PM Speaker #3, Activities Area, Allstar Center (Bracelet Required)
Sean Stanton, Rehoming Manager, Greyhound Racing Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
"The Australian Connection"
Join us for a discussion about the international connection for retired racing greyhounds. Nittany Greyhounds will be the first group on the East Coast to receive Australian furbabies, and Sean will come all the way from Australia to fill us in on the life of retired racing greyhounds there.
2:00 PM Speaker #4, Activities Area, Allstar Center (Bracelet Required)
Michael Owens, Director, Sighthound Underground
"Spain's New Animal Welfare Laws"
Michael will be traveling from Spain to update us on the new animal welfare laws being implemented across that country and how they will impact Galgos, Podencos, and the rescue networks, both within Spain and internationally in the coming years."
2:00 PM Saturday's Raffle Tickets Drawn & Posted
(Note: Winners will have until 4 p.m. to pick up your raffle prizes)
3:00 PM Speed Run
This is a running event; we use a radar gun to clock your hound's speed. Prizes awarded to both the fastest and the slowest! Note that this event will be canceled if the grass is wet.
Location: Off Leash Play Area
4:00 PM Vendor Shopping/Registration Closes
5:00 PM CARNIVAL Buffet & Party!*
Join us for this fun, crazy evening of entertainment, beginning with a buffet dinner and ending with two hours of Carnival Arcade Games (15 of them), interactive dog activities, costume contest (dig out your best clown outfit) for both people and dogs, pie eating contest with a twist (no, you won't get messy), tongue painting for dogs, bobbing for stuffies, and whatever else we can think of! It's going to be fun. Ring Toss, Swimming Duckies, Bean Bags, Skee Ball, Gold Fish Bowls, and many other games will be available. Some will be free; others will ask for a donation, so bring your dollar bills and be ready for a great evening of fun, games, good food, and great friends! And don't forget the Spectacular Cash Raffle drawing for a $10,000 grand prize and 27 other cash prizes! (If you don't already have your raffle ticket, either order with your event registration online or go to our website and order your ticket--you don't have to be present to win, but we hope you'll come and join in the fun!). The buffet will include both vegetarian and vegan selections.
Location: Grand Ballroom, Eisenhower Hotel
*Event Ticket Required for Buffet
Cost: $25/person
5:00 p.m. Doors/Cash Bar Opens for Ticket Holders Only
6:00 p.m. Dinner Buffet Served (Banquet Ticket-Holders Only)
6:30 p.m. Doors/Cash Bar Re-Open to the Public
6:30 p.m. Arcade Games & Contests Begin for All
8:30 p.m. Spectacular Cash Raffle Winners Drawn (All Welcome)
Sunday, April 23, 2023 - Allstar Center Opens at 8:30 AM
9:00 AM Early Bird Walk
Meet at the Front Door of the Allstar Center. Our host, Roy, will lead you on a spirited walk around the property, past the lake and back to the AllstarCenter in time for last-minute shopping, speakers and the high-end art raffle.
8:30 AM Allstar Center/Vendor Sales/Raffle Ticket Sales Open
10:00 AM Speaker #1, Activities Area, Allstar Center (Bracelet Required)
James Wyrick, Keystone State Paranormal Society
The Paranormal in Gettysburg
For many years, James and his band of paranormal investigators have been combing the battlefields and buildings of Gettysburg, long known to be a hot spot for ghosts. They have EVPs, photos, and other proof of paranormal activity and agreed to share it with us. Join us for this engaging, unique telling of Gettysburg history from the spirits themselves!
"Jim Wyrick, a retired Oncologist from Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Dave Haynie have been in the Keystone State Paranormal Society for over 20 years. They are also partners in the Historic 1912 Hoover House, a Bed & Breakfast in Waynesboro, PA, a well-known home filled with spirits and energies. They have done many public presentations and currently run the Dearly Departed Ghost History Tour of Waynesboro. Jim has also owned greyhounds in the past.
12:00 Art Raffle Tickets Drawn & Posted
Must be present to win