Take a Chance to Win the Best in Show Dog

Hudson, NY – Over the last three months the Best in Show canines have graced the streets of Hudson . It's almost time to take them down and you have an opportunity to win your very own Best in Show Dog.

The Columbia County Chamber and Columbia County Arts Council will be selling raffle tickets for the Best in Show Dog until the Dog Gone! Gala Benefit Auction on October 12. Tickets may also be purchased at the Auction. Tickets are $10 per ticket or 3 for $25. You may stop into the Chamber office at 507 Warren Street or the Arts Council office at 209 Warren Street in Hudson to purchase your tickets today.

Then get ready for some fun as the dogs find their permanent homes at the Dog Gone! Gala Benefit Auction on Sunday, October 12. These beautiful canines have graced the streets of Hudson all summer long and now are ready to be auctioned off to the highest bidder! The winner of the Best in Show Dog will be announced at the Auction.

The Dog Gone! Gala Benefit Auction will take place at noon with a sumptuous cocktail brunch at Hudson 's hippest new venue, Helsinki on the Hudson located at 405 Columbia St. in Hudson . The Fallons of Copake Country Auction Inc. find the dogs new owners at 1:00 pm auctioning the colorful canines to the highest bidder.

Sponsored by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and the Columbia County Council on the Arts, Best in Show 2008 features over 60 artist decorated fiberglass dogs displayed on steel pedestals throughout the Hudson Business District. The exhibition opened July 4th weekend and runs until October 8 th , 2008 in preparation for the auction.

The painted dogs, seated and standing, are 25 inches tall and highlight the work of local artists. Each canine displays a unique, inventive personality bestowed upon them by the artist and are sure to delight dog enthusiasts of all ages! All dogs carry plaques and are identified by name, the name of the artist and local business sponsor. Visit www.hudsonbestinshow.com for more information.

A portion of the proceeds from the auction will benefit local charities. A diverse panel of CCCA and Chamber members, sponsoring businesses, Columbia County Tourism, and City of Hudson officials will review the applications. Applicants will be notified following the Auction of the grant amount to be awarded.

Tickets for the October 12 Auction are $30. Reservations can be made by contacting the Chamber at (518) 828-4417 or the Arts Council at (518) 671-6213. Seating is limited, so reservations will be required.