GRAND RIVERS – The Marshall County Humane Society received two truckloads of needed items this weekend, after more than 300 furry friends and their people descended on Grand Rivers to participate in the community’s first-ever “Crazy Yorky Ladies” Jamboree.
The event, hosted by Patti’s 1880s Settlement, served as the annual convention for the Crazy Yorky Ladies, a group devoted to its love for the Yorkshire Terrier – or Yorkie – dog breed. The group started as a small circle of Facebook followers – four total in 2009 – and has since developed into a force more than 13,650 members strong. The organization has hosted its annual Jamboree in various locations since the event began three years ago, and from Wednesday through Saturday it made its home in Grand Rivers, bringing out more than 150 CYL members and some 300 of their Yorkie friends.
Members brought with them supplies to donate and held raffles throughout the week, proceeds from which also went to the Humane Society.
Events for the week included a murder-mystery dinner, classes, vendor day in the park and a Kentucky Derby themed Yorkie parade, in which participants and their fur babies dressed to the nines – complete with Derby hats and decorated dog strollers – and marched in parade through downtown Grand Rivers.
The CYL has members in 25 countries and includes breeders, rescuers, vets and Yorkie owners. The event at Grand Rivers brought visitors from as far away as California, Texas and Canada.