2014 Capitol Bichon Bash

Please join us on Sunday, September 14th for
a fun-filled day to celebrate Bichons Frises!

In addition to a fun afternoon of learning and sharing stories about our favorite breed, there will be Door Prizes galore! All gift baskets will be valued between $80-$175. See DOOR PRIZES below for info on these amazing baskets and how you can win one or more!

Be sure to register early to ensure that you get a goodie bag
filled with fun things for you and your pup,
including a personalized bandana for your Bichon!  

This year we will be in a different and larger location within Bull Run Regional Park.  It is the Pavilion, which has plenty of shade, picnic tables, and a large fenced-in area for our Bichons to run and play while you eat, shop and make new friends. 

Note: The Bichon Bash is a "rain or shine" event. 

 

 

BICHON RESCUE BOUTIQUE

With the upcoming dissolution of Maryland Bichon Frise Rescue, Inc., it is unknown whether operation of the Bichon Rescue Boutique will continue under the national rescue organization.  Therefore we will be selling off the remaining inventory at this year's Bash.  Many items will be sold at or just above cost -- so be prepared to shop!  The Boutique accepts cash, check, VISA and MasterCard.

 

GROOMING DEMONSTRATIONS

Kat Brooks from Dog A Do Salon in Herndon VA and a representative from Barkley Square will be on hand to answer your questions and demonstrate grooming a Bichon. From how to groom your dog yourself to maintaining your dog between groomings, our expert groomers will share their tips and answer your questions. We may even get a visit from the Barkley Square Mobile Grooming Van!

 

ASK THE VETS

Our  "Bichon expert" vets are back with us again!
Dr. Andrew Voell of Pender Veterinary Centre will be available to answer your questions. Dr Micki Armour with Eyecare for Animals will also be on hand. The Life Centre will be bringing an allergist and vet specializing in emergency, rehabilitation, and pain management. Specialists and consultants will join us from
Hope Advanced Veterinary Center.  VOSM (Veterinary Orthopedic Sports Medicine Group), specialists in orthopedic surgery,
will answer your questions about orthopedic issues
that typically affect bichons.

 

DOG TRAINERS

We are lucky enough to have some great dog trainers joining us this year! Back by popular demand will be Marnie Montgomery from Joyful Dog, as well as a volunteer with the excellent nonprofit organization, Your Dog's Friend . New this year to the Bash,
Kathy Benner from The Animals' House in Sterling VA, not only trains dogs but also teaches dog aglity.  

 

PET PHOTOGRAPHER
11 AM - 4 PM

Many of us feel that our bichons are our family - and there is something truly special about a family portrait with our pets. Megan Baden with Paws and Claws will capture you and your fluff, and you'll be able to take the image home with you that day! No appointments necessary! A portion of each sale will be donated to Bichon Rescue.

ANIMAL COMMUNICATOR

We missed her last year, but welcome back to this year's Bash the incredible animal communicator, Diane Roadcap, who truly can talk to the animals!  Diane will "talk" with your precious fluff' to find out his needs and wants, humor and insights, aches and ailments. Diane's website states "Animals Awaken Our Hearts".  Oh yes, they do!

You can make your reservation now by e-mailing Cindy! She can make your appointment and give you information on rates. There will only be a few sessions available which book up quickly - and a portion of the proceeds will go to rescue!

 

DOOR PRIZES

The Bash volunteers have been working all year to make this the best year ever. We will have an array of different gift baskets with great items like gift certificates, dog beds, fun dog toys, and so many more items for you and your fluff! You'll receive one door prize ticket for each paid adult registration donation. Want more chances to win?   You get 1 extra ticket for each additional $5 donated
when you pre-pay your registration.
Door prize tickets will also be sold at the Bash.
Door prizes will be drawn throughout the afternoon.

 

ASSUMPTION OF RISK

By attending the Capital Bichon Bash (Bash), I agree to the following:

1. To release and hold harmless Maryland Bichon Frise Rescue, Inc., (MBFR), its agents, employess and directors, for any and all claims of liability and damages, including reasonable attorney fees, from any injury, property damage, loss, claim, or expense that may occur to me while attending the Capital Bichon Bash;

2. Should I choose to attend the Capital Bichon Bash with my dog(s) and should any injury occur to any person, other animal or property as a result of the behavior of my dog(s) at the Bash, whether expected or unexpected, regardless of the stimulus for the behavior (i.e., animal's spontaneous conduct, the conduct of another animal, the conduct of another person or thing, or a combination of any of these things), I will be solely liable and be held responsible for any injury or property damage that results therefrom (including reasonable attorneys fees) and that I will indemnify, hold harmless, protect and defend MBFR, Inc., its agents, employees and directors, for any and all claims of liability and damages, including reasonable attorney fees from any injury, property damage, loss, claim, or expense resulting from the behavior of my animal(s);

3. To report any and all such injuries immediately to MBFR, Inc.;

4. That in bringing my pet(s) to the Capital Bichon Bash, I understand that I am doing so at my own risk, cost, and expense and I release MBFR, Inc. from any claim of loss, damage or injury to the animal(s).

5. My pet is healthy, free from parasites and has all the required vaccinations including rabies, distemper and bordetella.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED!!

We can't have a Bash without help from many!

Volunteer Activities on Day of Bash

• Set up Temporary Fencing**
• Set up Boutique
• Work at Registration
• Work at Boutique
• Gatekeeper
• Runners (help find volunteers and Diane Roadcap appointments)
• Announce Gift Baskets and Winning Ticket Numbers
• Clean up Pavilion and fenced-in areas after Bash
• Pack up Boutique Items
• Remove Fencing

**So the dogs can run free, we set up a secure fenced-in area for the Bash.

We need 8-10 STRONG volunteers to help us set up the fencing. This requires a committment to be at the Bash site at 8 AM on Sunday morning. 

We'll bring the supplies and coffee-you may wish to bring gloves,
though we will have a few extra pairs available.

Please contact PAT to volunteer!!

Tell Pat the volunteer activities you would prefer as well as the times you'll be available. Each shift is 1 hour so everyone will still have time to enjoy the Bash!

The details...

The minimun donation is $12.00 per person 12 years and older; $5.00 for those 5-11 years, and none for those under 5 years of age. Pre-payment of the donation and pre-registration are required.

There will be a $4 discounted parking fee per vehicle for attendees that live in locations other than Alexandria, Arlington, City of Fairfax, Fairfax County, Falls Church and Loudoun County. Pay as you enter the park. Tell the attendant you are going to The Pavilion.

Bichons only, please.

All pets must be current on their vaccinations. If your Bichon needs a bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine, it takes 2 weeks to get to full efficacy - so please plan accordingly.

No male dogs over 6 months old that have not been neutered.

Female dogs in heat must be left at home.

Fairfax County has a strict leash law- please bring a leash with you and use it whenever your dog is outside the fenced area. County officials will be watching!

Bring a picnic lunch or snack for you and your family to enjoy.

Bottled water, canned soda, and homemade desserts will be available with a donation, with all proceeds going to Bichon Rescue. 

Please bring an adequate supply of poop bags.

Watering stations will be available for dogs. 

You may want to bring lawn chairs. There are plenty of shady places to sit.  Seating is available at  the Pavilion, but you may want the flexibility to move around to sit closer to presentation areas.

In order to be able to return to the park for future events, we must be diligent in cleaning up after our Bichons and properly disposing of trash.

NO SMOKING within the fenced-in area. Properly dispose of cigarettes if smoking in other areas of the park where allowed.

CONSUMPTION OR POSSESSION OF ANY ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IS PROHIBITED. This policy will be strictly enforced.