By Okon Ekpenyong

Throughout the United States, Convention Centers sometimes are the place to be during the weekend. Other times, various industries hold monthly and yearly meetups to display their latest inventions/gadgets and new resources to show their consumers and those working in the field.

Columbus Convention Center is a prime example of always finding multiple ways to engage with the community by hosting events that sometimes draw international audiences to its front entrance.

Over this past weekend, October 14 through October 16, 2022, spectators, and runners of the 42nd Columbus marathon stopped at the Convention Center to enjoy the Columbus Marathon Expo and Packet Pickup.

The marathon had over 11,000 participants and 100,000 spectators. Meet the Breeds, sponsored by American Kennel Club, also took place at Greater Columbus Convention Center and American Kennel Club sponsored the event.

Arnold Sports Festival, which holds the record for the most attendees for the Health and Fitness Expo in the nation, has its annual event at the Columbus Convention. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the former California governor, actor, and bodybuilder athlete, is the event’s co-founder.

AKC is your go-to source; if you want to find fun things to do with your dog, where to take them grooming, learn about what’s the best nutrition out there, and pet insurance options. They have brought Dog lovers together since 1884, and their largest Dog sporting event is the largest in the nation, and they oversee the purebred registry worldwide. The event drew thousands for the in-person educational showcase.

I did have the chance to attend the event, and from the moment I walked in, I had that wow expression on my face. Seeing my favorite breed, the Lame & Golden Retriever, especially those Grey and white ones, warmed my heart. Affenpinschers, Yorkshire Terriers, and Great Danes, to name a few, were the other breeds.

Once upon a time, we once had Great Danes, and each time I come around one during these days, man! It always takes me back to memory lane. Wally was the dad, and he was a mini horse, literally with his black and white colorful self. Cookie was the mom and had a few grey/white on her. They had Zola and other puppies. Sadly, Cookie and Wally are long gone, but the ten-year-old Zola is still kicking. Great Danes must have strict diets, and their span is not long. So, while at the event, I saw one, and he looked marvelous.

•  Over eighty different breeds were available for attendees to meet, interact with, and learn about their country of origin, likes, dislikes, and historical purposes.
•  Several vendors, such as Nationwide Pet Insurance and breeders, presented information on beneficial services to current and future dog owners.
•  There were tons of activities for all ages.

As a dog lover, I highly recommend attending “Meet the breeds” events since it offers a top-notch educational tool to better care for your dog.

East West Eye Conference, Desi Vibes Presents Garba 2022, and Pmicoc Professional Development Day wrapped up the other events held this past weekend.

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