ORGANISERS fear an annual dog show in Horsham will fold unless more volunteers are found.
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Horsham Wimmera Kennel Club hosted its championship show at Horsham Showground on Saturday and Sunday.
The club has staged the show for more than 50 years.
About 400 dogs entered from Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and Western Australia.
This year the club relied on Mildura couple Desley and Greg Orr to act as show managers.
Club treasurer Leanne Schilling said without the Orrs' help, the show would have been cancelled.
She said there were only four or five people holding the club together.
"There have been more members before," Mrs Schilling said.
"We had a few members who joined over the weekend, who were from Ballarat and Melbourne, and one from Ararat, but we need support from more Wimmera people with setting up and taking down the rings.
"It fell on five of us to do all the work. If one of us could not have done it, the show would not have not gone on.
"It has gotten worse.
"Everyone is busy, but if people want to continue showing their dogs, we will need more help."
Show organisers included club life member Ron Bennett, club secretary Tiffany Evans, club president Shirley Mewett and Mrs Schilling's husband Michael Schilling.
Club member Sue Scholes also helped for the last time this year, after she left the Wimmera to live in Cape Clear.
Mrs Schilling said the annual show was a boon for businesses in the Horsham area.
"Visitors either need fuel when they get here or to go home again," she said.
"And they eat out or buy food from the supermarkets.
"It's a big thing for the Horsham area and everyone needs accommodation.
"It does bring a lot of money into the area."
Mrs Schilling said if the show folded next year, she doubted Dogs Victoria would sanction future shows.
"I don't want the show to end," she said.
"But if people can just give us a bit of their time, then the show can continue.
"A lot of spectators came and it was a good opportunity for the public to ask breeders about their dogs.
"There were 87 breeds exhibited.
"People said it was a great show and they thanked us.
"It would be a shame if it did fold."
Mrs Schilling said people could call 0448 822 041 to join the club or volunteer.