GIG Schedule

"Monuments to a Monumental Battle"

Bill Thomas, Licensed Battlefield Guide

Meet at the Amphitheater near Pitzer's Woods along West Confederate Avenue in the Park. There is ample parking at the amphitheater and along the road. (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.

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. 

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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