If you love animals … if you like comedy … if you marvel at the athleticism and uncanny smarts of our canine companions, then CanineCapers is for you.

In every performance you will see Freestyle Frisbee, Jack Russell racing, and the new Tricks Challenge.

Frisbee is a team sport – dog and handler. In its freestyle version, routines are choreographed to music. Multiple Frisbees may be used, setting it apart from the basic "throw and catch." Frisbee dogs can be found back-flipping, leaping sky high, using all parts of their body – as well as their handler's frame. Frisbee dogs love what they do, and it shows.

Jack Russell racing involves up to six Jacks racing against one another simultaneously down a 150-yard stretch. They all will literally be running their little legs off after a lure. The game is simple; fastest one wins! Expected time? In the blink of an eye!

While not every dog has the capability to catch a frisbee or the drive to race after a lure, any dog can be taught to learn a new trick… even the old ones!  This year, Canine Capers is going to highlight a variety of tricks in its all new “Trick Challenge!”  Two teams of dogs will compete head to head to see which pack can impress crowds more. And don’t merely expect to see Buster begging and Rover rolling over, these professionally trained dogs can stunt on their handlers’ backs or feet and some can even jump rope! But the fun won’t end there, folks, because each and every show will offer a brief instructional session during which audiences can actually see some of Canine Capers’ very own learning tricks these dogs have never seen before right in front of their very eyes.  These mini seminars will provide the opportunity to share our top-of-the-line training techniques with your own dogs at home!

While RiverFest’s CanineCapers is all for fun, its participants include national and world finalists – dogs and handlers. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn from some of the best in the land … or just enjoy for its universal appeal.

By the way, there’s always lots of audience participation, so bring the family – the whole family. Between performances, you’re welcome (encouraged even) to visit with the dogs and handlers.

Pet Boutique includes commercial booths with nutrition and accessory products for pets and pet lovers, veterinary services and canine information … a wide variety of practical and fun items.

Other activities in the Park include the Water Ski Shows at 1 p.m. daily, RiverFest Craft Show tented just north of the CanineCapers field, Dragon Boat Races (all day, both days), the Business Showcase (commercial exhibits) along the Riverwalk, and the juried Fine Arts & Jewelry Show (painting, drawing, pottery, jewelry, photography, glass and sculpture) along the Riverwalk heading south back toward the Municipal Building, plus paddlewheel river boat rides, miniature golf and ”MyOtherCar” Show on Saturday and Corvette Show on Sunday.