Kenton National Coondog Trials Canceled !!!

[struttin]

It's official. The country is officially down the tubes. Kenton National is cancelled for this year !!!! :Protest_emoticon:

http://www.kentonnational.com/

[coonskinner]

It's official. The country is officially down the tubes. Kenton National is cancelled for this year !!!! :Protest_emoticon:

http://www.kentonnational.com/

why???

[struttin]

I'm sure alot of you on here have visited the annual Labor Day weekend event. Has been running there for the last 54 years !!


From their website:

"Dear Friends, Vendors, and Patrons:

It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Kenton National will not take place this year due to the state of the economy. While the horizon of tomorrow is cloudy at the moment we remain hopeful that someday it will be brighter and that Kenton National might then return. Until then, we thank you for the memories and support you have given us over the years.

Sincerely,

The Folks @ Kenton National"

[Bawana]

I'd like to know the "rest of the story" I can't believe something that big and popular is just shutting down!

[uglykat26]

that sucks i loved going to the coon trials, and the ones in johnstown too

[Links r Us]

My Dad is rollin' over in his grave for sure!!!

[Links r Us]

Before the Kenton NCT... as a young lad I pulled trails along Beaver Creek on the Wood/Henry county line. It was a big draw from many states...

[coonskinner]

I'd like to know the "rest of the story" I can't believe something that big and popular is just shutting down!i wonder too i see other big events still going on...big flea markets etc...this is where its happening...there got to be more...:mischeif:

[ap0317ah]

There has to be more to this the kncc was a big deal.
Tom

[struttin]

From the Lima News:

Coon dog trials, flea market could return in 2010, co-owner says


April 30, 2009 - 9:36 AM
Bob Blake (bblake@limanews.com)

KENTON - For the first time in 54 years, the grounds home to the Kenton National Festival and Flea Market will be quiet this Labor Day weekend.
Organizers of the festival, flea market and coon dog trials announced early this week that this year's event is cancelled. The culprit, owners said, is the economy.
"It was an extremely difficult decision," said Joyce Ross, co-owner. "Our costs have continually risen, just like everyone else in business. We can't continue to pass on our cost increases to those who come out to the event."
Ross said the family hopes to be able to resurrect the event next year, depending on whether the economy improves. A final decision on whether the event will return isn't likely to be made until after the first quarter next year, she said.


I've got to agree with the rest of you - what is not being told here ?

[Redhunter1012]

Somethings not right. I know what they charge for everyone to go there. I know there's some cost to operate it, but you have to think they are absolutely raking it in. Just doesn't add up. I'm 30 years old and have went every year since I was 8. Kinda sad something this large is going away:nono:

[Bowhunter57]

In 54 years of the Kenton National Coon Dog Trials this hasn't happened, but they announced that due to the economy they will be closed this year. They're looking for a reopening in 2010. :nono:

www.kentonnational.com

Good hunting, Bowhunter57

[antiqucycle]

With the $4 gas last year, they probably got stung good in attendance, maybe a big drop in vendors getting a spot. the fairgrounds probably raised the rent too.

there is still a decent one in Mahoning County, the following week, but they run out of parking every year.

[deerhunt45]

With the $4 gas last year, they probably got stung good in attendance, maybe a big drop in vendors getting a spot. the fairgrounds probably raised the rent too.

there is still a decent one in Mahoning County, the following week, but they run out of parking every year.

It's not a fairgrounds, it's privately owned ground.

[Lance]

I imagine that there is probably a substantial "up front" investment that occurs to put this on. Even if it's money maker you need the upfront cash. That could be part of the answer.

[DougG]

from what i saw in a kento paper
Kenton National won’t open; victim of economy

By DAN ROBINSON
Times staff writer

Labor Day weekend in Hardin County will be different this year.
For 54 years bargain hunters, vendors, music fans and dog-racing participants from across the nation made an annual pilgrimage to the county for the Kenton National dog races. But the gates will be closed this year as the event became the latest casualty of the sagging economy.
Co-owner Joyce Ross said the family searched for an option to keep the Kenton National open up to the last possible minute, but Saturday reached the conclusion their only reasonable plan was to close for at least this year.
"This is due to the current state of the economy," Ross said today. "Things have gotten so much worse so quickly, we are very concerned with what it will be like in September. With families facing foreclosures and losing their jobs, it wouldn’t make sense for them to travel to Kenton. We tried to figure out a way to do it; maybe make it smaller, more efficient, but we’re just not going to try it this year."
While the potential for attendance to suffer due to the economy, Ross said, the Kenton National was also facing price increases "across the board."
"Our costs have sky-rocketed," she said. "Worker’s compensation, insurance, supplies, postage, pretty well across the board, the costs have gone up."
For the time being, said Ross, the southern half of the grounds will be kept as they are, but the northern section will be used for hay fields. Should things change, she continued, the hay can be cut and the cattle removed for a Labor Day event following this year, but Ross said should that happen, the event would not be the traditional Kenton National.
With plans canceled for this year, it would be difficult for the National to start over, said Ross. Is this the end of the line?
"For the flea market it is," she said of what has been advertised as the nation’s largest. "We would love to see the concerts go ahead, but we’re not sure that will happen."
And the dog races?
"We just have to wait and see," said Ross.
The Ross family is sending postcards to every vendor, camper and participant in the annual event in hopes they have enough time to adjust their Labor Day schedules.
"It’s a shame," said Jill Taylor, manager of Jump ‘N Jim’s in Kenton. "That is our best weekend of the year. This will affect us quite a bit. It’s disappointing."
"That is always a good weekend for us," said Jerry Burrey, owner of Hardin Motors. "This will hurt the whole area. The coon chase brings in a lot of money to the whole county."

[antiqucycle]

Dont believe everything referring to the economy about Kenton. In a stray conversation today with a guy wearing a kenton t shirt, It sounds like the insurance company either dropped their coverage or jacked the price up too high to continue it. the reason, the mixture of guns and beer on the premises. I also heard that guns gambling on the dogs and beer were insurance no no's. so they stopped the gambling on the water races the year before.
It makes a lot of sense to blame the closing on the lack of liability insurance.

[deerhunt45]

It makes a lot of sense to blame the closing on the lack of liability insurance.

Very well could be...although I wonder why all of a sudden they wouldn't be able to afford insurance?

It's a shame. This is definitely a hit on the local businesses who looked forward to Labor Day...

[pstryjew]

Lack of insurance is a very likely suspect. I know that getting gun show insurance is tough (one or two companies writing policies). I can't imagine adding the concerts, alcohol, camping to the mix. Probably one company writing policies, they rate could be out of reach.

Pete

[Lance]

Insurance was the straw that really put a stake in a bird dog club. IT cost us $750 y/r for insurance 6 years ago to run shooting trials. It made it tough to do a whole lot more than break even. We could only run 4 trials a year and without the hunters trials it made it tough to recruit new memebers.

[Hairtrigger]

$4 gas is cheep if you ever paid to take your golf cart there.
I have heard more horror stories of guns purchased there

[00jp]

I am looking 4 a similar event to kenton nationals, family and friends have been going 4 30+ yrs we had a vendor spot last 2, I have been told there is one like it in OH. and 1 in PA. same weekend which is labor day. anyone that could send info would be highly appreciated. Thanks,00JP Please send info to Farmboyjp500@aol.com

[WLB]

I am looking 4 a similar event to kenton nationals

I copied this a couple years ago, but don't know if these events
are still happening?
If anyone has any info on them please let us know.

Events at the Trans-Sippi grounds

*Trans-sippi and Mark Twain are annual events hosted by Leafy Oak, LLC. They are held in Logan County, Ohio from July 4th through the 6th. With a Coon Dog Field Trial, Water Race, and Flea Market, it’s fun for the whole family.

*Leafy Oak, LLC. also hosts World Championship Coon Dog Field
Trial, Water Race and flea market the weekend before Kenton
National, August 22nd through the 24th.

Directions
From Bellefontaine-Go East on Highway 47 approximately 12 miles. At the Junction with Highway 292 go north 2 miles to Logan County Road 26 where you will turn west (there is ajog in the road). At the stop sign turn back left then make an immediate right on Logan County Road 26. The grounds are 1.5 miles on your left.

From Kenton-Go South on Highway 292 through Ridgeway to Logan County Road 26, turn right. At the stop sign turn back left then make an immediate right on Logan County Road 26 (there is ajog in the road). The grounds are 1.5 miles on your left.

From Columbus/Marysville-Go North on Interstate 33 to the
Valley Hi Exit for Highway 292, go north. You will cross Highway 47
continue going north 2 more miles and turn left on Logan County Road 26.
At the stop sign turn back left then make an immediate right on
Logan County Road 26 (there is ajog in the road). The grounds are 1.5 mile

[Dayton outdoorsman]

My first post here and Hope I can be of some help
seeing as I used to run field trial and swim dogs both I still stay in the loop somewhat


Trans-Sippi is now defuct the land was sold

Labor day weekend has plenty of dog activities that has been an offspring of KENTON for many years

one is in Johnstown ohio on sportsman club road at the community coonhunters club it is known as swappers day this is the second largest to Kenton they do have the swim races but no trials

another one is http://www.valleyviewtradedays.com/Valley/index.html this particular event is full coonhound specific.... but still has the flea market/camping environment that kenton has/had ?

another that is full coonhound specific is Atumn Oaks in richmond Indiana at the fairgrounds

now Rumor has it the straglers that do not attend the above events might set up at progressive sportsmans club in Ft. Recovery Ohio

as of now this is rumor but IMO not an outragous claim as they hold a fall trade days with flea market, camping, field trials and swim races the 1st weekened of Oct every years

[deerhunt45]

My first post here and Hope I can be of some help
seeing as I used to run field trial and swim dogs both I still stay in the loop somewhat


Labor day weekend has plenty of dog activities that has been an offspring of KENTON for many years

one is in Johnstown ohio on sportsman club road at the community coonhunters club it is known as swappers day this is the second largest to Kenton they do have the swim races but no trials

another one is http://www.valleyviewtradedays.com/Valley/index.html this particular event is full coonhound specific.... but still has the flea market/camping environment that kenton has/had ?


now Rumor has it the straglers that do not attend the above events might set up at progressive sportsmans club in Ft. Recovery Ohio

as of now this is rumor but IMO not an outragous claim as they hold a fall trade days with flea market, camping, field trials and swim races the 1st weekened of Oct every years

Welcome to the forum and thanks for the input. I would think several events will benefit from the Kenton games being cancelled.

Lack of insurance is a very likely suspect. I know that getting gun show insurance is tough (one or two companies writing policies). I can't imagine adding the concerts, alcohol, camping to the mix. Probably one company writing policies, they rate could be out of reach.

Pete

That's what they have done different in the last few years...concerts.

That's disconcerting :eek:

[Dayton outdoorsman]

thanks for the welcome


Here is what I can share with you all as being fact if there will be any activities in the future at Kenton it will be dog events only and or maybe concerts

I do know in 2006 I was told that the county raised the taxes on the property and also started taxing the bldgs

any of you that was there in 07 seen some of the bdlgs missing :yikes: this was why

here is what many may or may not know Eddie Ross was a coonhunter then got in to trialing dogs, his son Jimmy continues the legacy

Kenton nationals was and always will remain a dog event as long as any events go on there

most seen Eddie and or Jimmie once a year ,us Dog men seen/see the Ross's on a weekly(weekend) basis traveling the race circuits in and around Ohio. Jimmies Daughter and Son in law also race dogs

if you want direct info about Kenton get the info from the dog men first even local people here that do the flea market part of Kenton has many theories and facts wrong on the topic

[antiqucycle]

I would stop at Valley view when I took my daughter to OU each year. that was 4 years ago and I did not see much in terms of dogs. or nothing in dog events. It was what I would call a small flea market in a field. I could walk it in 20 minutes. yes, some guns and tackle. but its not worth a long drive itself.

the Mahoning County Coonhunters event, the weekend after Labor Day is a much bigger event with water races, lots of dogs for sale, Their problem is they did not buy enough land and now cant get adjoining property. Parking is too small for the growth of the event. so dont expect it to get bigger.'
Its located on US 224 between Canfield Ohio and Ellworth Ohio. like 15 miles from Youngstown.

[Dayton outdoorsman]

I would stop at Valley view when I took my daughter to OU each year. that was 4 years ago and I did not see much in terms of dogs. or nothing in dog events. It was what I would call a small flea market in a field. I could walk it in 20 minutes. yes, some guns and tackle. but its not worth a long drive itself.

the Mahoning County Coonhunters event, the weekend after Labor Day is a much bigger event with water races, lots of dogs for sale, Their problem is they did not buy enough land and now cant get adjoining property. Parking is too small for the growth of the event. so dont expect it to get bigger.'
Its located on US 224 between Canfield Ohio and Ellworth Ohio. like 15 miles from Youngstown.

that valley view thing has just got off to a good start i am venturing to say with Kenton being defunct it will get bigger ?

as for the mahoning county event we know that on the circuit as "Canfield" and you're correct it is a big to do

kenton and Ft. Recovery is the only places now that the swim and field trial guys come together as one, even though they share the same magazine for event dates, results etc

apart from Labor day I can rattle off 30 events not mentioned here that goes falls into the field trial fleamarket / water race/flea market events

the sad thing is the dog part of these events is dying a fast death as the old timers are just that old and no young people are getting into it 95% of the people involved are 2nd and 3rd generation participants

the best place to replicate kenton like I said is Johnstown Ohio on labor day or Ft.Recovery on the 1st weekend in Oct HERE YOU have field trials, swim races flea markets etc etc

Johnstown used to have trials but as the place grew the field trial tracks was shortened and no place left to run the dogs they do have trials there but it is apart from labor day weekend

[struttin]

I don't know if anyone saw this or not but looks like Max is gonna give it a run at the fair grounds. He does a pretty good job the 1st weekend in May and October at the farm so I wish him the best at getting this going:

http://www.limaohio.com/news/dog-39034-lima-event.html

Man plans coon dog event in Lima

Water dog races, flea market coming to fairgrounds on Labor Day weekend


July 6, 2009 - 11:13 AM

Beth L. Jokinen (bjokinen@limanews.com)

LIMA - While Kenton will no longer play host to the national coon dog trials, a similar event is coming to Lima.
Max's Water Dog Races, Swap Meet and Flea Market will be held over Labor Day weekend at the Allen County Fairgrounds.
Along with water dog races and a dog treeing contest, organizer Max McCluer said the event will include family activities, such as horseshoe pitching, cornhole contests, a petting zoo and horse show.
As soon as McCluer, who has run a flea market for 20 years, heard the 50-plus-year-old Kenton event was ending, he started seeing if there was local interest. The response has been overwhelming, he said.
Vending spaces are available, as well as camping spaces. For information, call 419-225-8545, 419-230-9134 or 419-230-7405.

[youngun08]

the sad thing is the dog part of these events is dying a fast death as the old timers are just that old and no young people are getting into it 95% of the people involved are 2nd and 3rd generation participantsI have family members who have been racing dogs since before I was around and very sucessful at it. Everytime I ask them to help me get into it they just say "iIs not worth it anymore and your better off investing your time in something else"

[struttin]

Anybody planning on going to Lima for the "Water Races" and flea market ?

I hear the response has been tremendous and vendors and camping spaces are filling up quickly.

[Burdman]

Im going to Lima, I hope it does well. Theres such a long waiting list for Johnstown it could take years to get a spot there.

[MIKE B]

kent@N is off-- HERE IS WHERE EVERY ONE IS GOING !!FLEA MKT.dog races - $7000


(LIMA OHIO) ---CLEAN RESTROOMS--FREE CLEAN SHOWERS--PAVED ROADS)


MAX’S
FLEA MARKET - SWAP MEET AND WATER DOG RACES. LABOR DAY WEEK END. SEPTEMBER 5,6 &7 2009 ALLEN COUNTY FAIR GROUNDS --LIMA OHIO !!

VENDERS SET UP ON SEPTEMBER 4TH. IN DOOR AND OUT DOOR LOTS AVALIBLE.

VENDER LOTS $ 30.00 EACH. LOT SIZE 20'X30' THIS GETS 2 PEOPLE IN WITH EACH PAID LOT. ELECTRIC $ 15.00 EXTRA IF WANTED.

CAMPING SECTION $ 30.00 FOR THE WEEK END. THIS GETS 2 PEOPLE IN. ELECTRIC $ 15.00 EXTRA EACH LOT, IF WANTED. NO SELLING IN CAMPING LOTS.

GARUANTEED SPACE WITH PREPAY.

GOLF CARTS ONLY !! WE WILL HAVE PEOPLE HERE TO INSPECT THEM FOR A SMALL FEE. PLEASE BRING PROOF OF INSURANCE.

BUYERS $ 5.00 GATE FEE.

PLENTY OF FOOD.

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD !!

GET YOUR MONEY IN SOON, LOTS ARE SELLING QUICK !!!

CALL FOR MORE INFO. 419-225-8545 / 419-230-7405 / 419-230-9134

EVENTS
WATER DOG RACES
DOG TREEING CONTEST
HORSESHOE PITCHING
CORNHOLE CONTEST
PETTING ZOO

---CLEAN RESTROOMS-- FREE CLEAN SHOWERS--PAVED ROADS
EXIT #125 OFF i75 --GO EAST 1 MILE ON STATE ROUTE 309. the fair grounds is on the RIGHT HAND SIDE.

SEE THE FULL CRY MAGAZINE FOR THE 1 PAGE AD ON ALL THE DETAILS ON THE WATER DOG RACES !!!

water dog races - $7,000 guaranteed cash finals (LIMA OHIO) MASTER OF HOUNDS: ROY UNDERWOOD

[The_Duck_Hunter]

I'll be there, but I'm not sure what day.

[hickslawns]

Anyone want to look me up I will be there the whole weekend. I have the 3 spots just south of the grandstands. If you are going into the infield you will file between my 3 spots and the grandstands to enter. Easy to find. Besides that, I will have a white stepvan with huge lettering "Hicks Lawn Services, LLC" and billboard display sitting there. Will also see my 25' gooseneck trailer with tree stands, probably my dually and camper sitting there. For those camping, I am bringing my smokers to sell, as well as having my personal smoker setup and using it all weekend. Bring your steaks, burgers, beer, and whatever else and introduce yourselves. I would love to meet more of you guys in person. This is not an advertisement for my stuff. I could care less if you buy anything. Just stop in and introduce yourself so I can get to know more than a username. Phil

[MIKE B]

OVER 800 VENDER LOTS RENTED SO FAR !!!!





-- kent@N is off --

HERE IS WHERE EVERY ONE IS GOING !!
FLEA MAREKET / water dog races -$7,000 guaranteed cash finals (LIMA OHIO)---CLEAN RESTROOMS--FREE CLEAN SHOWERS--PAVED ROADS)

MAX’S
FLEA MARKET - SWAP MEET AND WATER DOG RACES. LABOR DAY WEEK END. SEPTEMBER 5,6 &7 2009 ALLEN COUNTY FAIR GROUNDS --LIMA OHIO !!

VENDERS SET UP ON SEPTEMBER 3RD AND 4TH. IN DOOR AND OUT DOOR LOTS AVALIBLE.

VENDER LOTS $ 30.00 EACH. LOT SIZE 20'X30' THIS GETS 2 PEOPLE IN WITH EACH PAID LOT. ELECTRIC $ 15.00 EXTRA IF WANTED.

CAMPING SECTION $ 30.00 FOR THE WEEK END. THIS GETS 2 PEOPLE IN. ELECTRIC $ 15.00 EXTRA EACH LOT, IF WANTED. NO SELLING IN CAMPING LOTS.

GARUANTEED SPACE WITH PREPAY.

GOLF CARTS ONLY !! WE WILL HAVE PEOPLE HERE TO INSPECT THEM FOR A SMALL FEE. PLEASE BRING PROOF OF INSURANCE.

BUYERS $ 5.00 GATE FEE.

PLENTY OF FOOD.

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD !!

GET YOUR MONEY IN SOON, LOTS ARE SELLING QUICK !!!

CALL FOR MORE INFO. 419-225-8545 / 419-230-7405 / 419-230-9134

EVENTS
WATER DOG RACES
DOG TREEING CONTEST
HORSESHOE PITCHING
CORNHOLE CONTEST
PETTING ZOO

---CLEAN RESTROOMS-- FREE CLEAN SHOWERS--PAVED ROADS
EXIT #125 OFF i75 --GO EAST 1 MILE ON STATE ROUTE 309. the fair grounds is on the RIGHT HAND SIDE.

SEE THE FULL CRY MAGAZINE FOR THE 1 PAGE AD ON ALL THE DETAILS ON THE WATER DOG RACES !!!

water dog races -$7,000 guaranteed cash finals (LIMA OHIO)
MASTER OF HOUNDS: ROY UNDERWOOD

[The_Duck_Hunter]

Is there a list of vendors posted on the net anywhere? When I go to these things I like to have an idea of the spots I need to check out so I know how much time I have to look at everything else!

[deerhunt45]

I was out of town this weekend. How did the event at the Allen County Fairgrounds go?

[struttin]

Went all day Saturday and still didn't see all of it. Lotsa vendors/dealers/flea marketers all over the whole fairgrounds - even had to put them around the track and some were set up inside the animal barns. Merchant's building and youth buildings were all filled but one as well.
Twas a fresh breath of air compared to Kenton - NO MUD,paved walkways,clean restrooms and showers. Admission price was $5.00 and worth it. Good food vendors set up as well.
I didn't see as many people carrying guns around as I do at Kenton but selection was pretty good from all the people set up in their booths and campers. I heard that the tally was just under 1,000 vendor spaces rented out. I imagine being the first year that some walk-ins were leary of carrying guns in for sale or trade.
Atmosphere was a little different as well. Was more "family friendly" it seemed to me.(My wife enjoyed it and my boys had a blast) No beer sales on site but carry-ins were allowed. I think that cut down on a lotta drunks running around. They also closed the gates at 7pm.
Overall I was pleased and hope Max did well. Will be nice to see it continue on as an annual event. I heard alot of positives about how nice the facilities were @ the fairgrounds.

[deerhunt45]

Thanks for the report struttin! Sounds like it was a hit and I too hope it continues. I saw people in town early in the week setting up. Would have liked to attended but had prior plans.

[MIKE B]

i went around on monday and asked a lot of people one question.


if kenton is open next year where will you go ?? every one said lima !!!



these were people and venders that have been going to kenton for years.

[hickslawns]

I will be there but I have one problem. I need to figure out where to buy my next load of tree stands. We got slammed, and the stands I had were a one time opportunity. I don't think you coulda gotten more guys around our gooseneck while we were backing in if you had a peep show going on on top of it! I pre-registered for next year. I will do what I can to come up with something. Thanks for the business for all who stopped in. It is much appreciated. I dealt with a bunch of good people. I hope they all kick butt this season in their stands.

[The_Duck_Hunter]

I too thought it was alot better than Kenton. I only went on Sunday. There were some great deals to be had. I picked up a 5' day-glo lead, a day-glo coupler, and 3 day-glo collars (with 3 line name ID tags) for $24.00

I agree, you didnt see as many people carrying guns around to trade, but I think there was alot more guns available in the booths than at recent years at Kenton. I was keeping my eyes open for a Super Comanche, but never saw one.