It's dog beat dog at Fling

Dogs of all colors, shapes and sizes hit Naperville's Last Fling Sunday, where they strutted all kinds of tricks.

As part of Naperville Jaycees' four-day festival, hundreds of area residents and people from as far as Japan came out to the Riverwalk with their four-legged buddies to participate in The Windy City K-9 Classic, part of the United Frisbee Dog Operation World Cup Series.

Throughout the day, more than 100 competitors pumped up their dogs' favorite jams and went wild in front of a cheerful audience.

"All the different competitors have so many tricks," event coordinator Tom Wehrli said. "You actually have some of the best in the world here."

Hundreds of people crowded around the dog show while a talent show, Scottish games, antique car show, craft fair, pie-eating contest, apple pie bake-off, wine tasting, rib cook-off, spaghetti-eating contest, rides, games, prizes and carnival foods also brought in people throughout the day and night Sunday.

Pam Ritchie of Lombard brought her dog, Zoe, 13, to the competition. Though Zoe didn't actually catch Frisbees in front of the crowd, Ritchie had a blast watching.

Ritchie and her dogs have been competing and watching for 12 years.

"I love it, the dogs love it, and it's a great group of people," she said. "It has kind of become part of my life."

Clint Marlow of Littleton, Colo., and 15-month-old Casey were among those to take the field.

Since Marlow participated last year with a borrowed dog, he especially had fun with his very own Casey.

"This is one event we try to come to every year," he said. "It's not too, too far."

Marlow said his dog has naturally been picking things up left and right, and Sunday she competed in her second competition.

"I love Frisbees and she loves Frisbees," he said.

Wehrli said the classic was held at The Last Fling for the sixth time this year.

"The Fling loves us," he said, "and we love the Fling."

The festival continues 10 a.m. through 6 p.m. today.