It is official: The Detroit Kennel Club Dog Show isn't happening this year. Earlier this week the president of the DKC told Local 4 the crushing costs of the show at Cobo Center could lead to its cancellation.
"It's just so wonderful, I just can't believe they are not going to have it," said Mary DiPerria.
For half a century, the dog show has attracted more than 25,000 people and 3,000 dogs.
Club president Erik Bergishagen said, "I know there's a lot of people who are going to be very disappointed - but you have to be really realistic in this day and age."
For more than forty years the Cobo show has been a tradition for the DiPerria family.
George is the DiPerria's prize winning Pug who won best of breed last year. George has even won at Westminster, the Super Bowl of dog shows.
Mary says Detroit was always their favorite show.
"Just my mom and I showing, quality time," said daughter Jessica.
"It's really wonderful for the people where they can see the dogs," said DiPerria.
The show annually drew 1,500 dogs, 120 breeds and 25,000 two legged visitors. Some participant complained about rising cost, difficulties parking and that they couldn't earn major points here while competing. This may have led to declines in attendance and sponsorship was also hard to come but for the event.
And to put on a show like this takes money and a lot of it; anywhere from $350,000 to $400,000.
"We pay the dog show superintendent, there's the electrical, commercial electricity for everyone coming in," Bergishagen said.
Judges have to be paid, dog acts, security, and renting Cobo carries a big price tag too, but this is where the show has been held for the past 50 years.
Cobo leadership says they tried to make it easier.
"We really did everything we could to try and figure out a way that would make this more financial viable for them," said a representative from Cobo.
The group is reportedly looking for sponsors and a venue to host the event next year.