The Mount Gambier community is going barking mad for the approaching Dogfest taking place on the Easter long weekend at the Len Lewis Memorial Dog Park.

The illustrious judging line-up is now secured from New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia after a changeup due to COVID-19.

The judging panel will include Lynn Harrison and Lynette Niemann from South Australia, New South Wales’ John Burgess and Don Mahoney, and Patrice Johansen, Lance Wight and Kim Tosi from Queensland.

Mount City & District Kennel Club Inc president Kerry Mckay said the group was expecting 500 entries.

“We hope we get the numbers, but they are coming through slowly,” she said.

“A lot of people leave their entries to the last minute because of money, travel and accommodation.

“Accommodation is difficult to find on the Easter long weekend because there are a few events on that coincide with the Dogfest.

“People want to get away from the cities at Easter time and Mount Gambier is a prime destination.

“We have only got 30 campsites this year because of the COVID-19 testing site which has provided a challenge.”

Mrs Mckay said local businesses had rallied around the club to ensure the event was a success.

“We would like to thank all our sponsors but especially She’s Apples who have supported us for 15 years and our other major sponsors Pet Stock, The Produce Store and Baxter Hire,” she said.

“Everything is ready to go but it will be a hard week leading up to the show with so much to do.

“We have a few volunteers so we will get through it and put on a successful show as we always do.”