Sept. 16, 2019 By Shane O’Brien
A festival celebrating the arts, music and community of Astoria is coming to the Kaufman Studios this weekend and will feature a new dog show.
Backlot Festival returns for its second year to the Kaufman Astoria Studios backlot at 34-12 36th St. from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21.
The festival includes work from over 50 individual artists, a fashion show, live ice sculpting and a performance from an all-female samba drumline. The festival also features mini golf on a course designed by artists and a variety of food options, as well as a beer garden.
The festival will also incorporate the inaugural Queens Mutt Show, where dog owners will compete for the best mongrel dog in Queens.
The dog show kicks off at 4 p.m. and dogs will be judged by a three-person panel of canine experts on things like appearance, smell, behavior and demeanor.
The winning dog will be awarded the “Best Mutt in Queens” trophy which the owner will keep until next year’s competition.
Organizers are looking for dogs that embody the diversity of Queens, according to Kaufman Arts District Director Jamie Hook.
“There is a certain poetic resonance to seeking out the best Mutt, here and now, in the most diverse place on planet Earth, at a time when the great civic and humane value of the mixed-blood animal is under challenge as never before,” said Hook.
The dog show is being staged in partnership with Hallet’s Cove dog emporium and Chateau LeWoof. The show will benefit Animal Cares Centers of NYC.
There are only 35 spaces available in the dog show and spaces are still available. Interested participants should visit “http://www.backlotfestival.nyc/on-the-backlot/#muttshow” to register their mutt. There is a $15 fee to participate, 100% of which goes to support Animal Cares Centers of NYC.
(Kaufman Arts District)
One Comment
Doggies!!!!!!