Thousands of people are flocking to Brooksville for the largest dog show in the state -- the Florida Gulf Coast Cluster.

  • Up to 25,000 attend the event annually
  • Exhibitors spend on average $685 per show weekend
  • Show runs through January 22

Whether you come to compete or just to see adorable dogs, you’re in the right place.

This is Nicole Vaillancourt’s first time attending the show, now in its 18th year. She made the long drive from Quebec with her little four legged contestant for reasons us here in Florida truly understand.

“For coming in it's a 24 hour drive, and I’ll stay here 20 days," said Vaillancourt. “Because the weather is very good, in Quebec it is bad, very cold and we have a lot of snow."

Over the course of the show up to 25,000 people attend the event, and all of Tampa Bay takes part.

“We're Hernando County Kennel Club, tomorrow I believe Clearwater Kennel Club, Saturday will be Pasco Kennel Club, Sunday is Tampa Bay Kennel Club, and Monday will be Manatee Kennel Club," said Lisa Tremblay, president of the Hernando County Kennel Club.

According to the American Kennel Club, exhibitors spend an average of $685 per show weekend. That could inject more than $1.7 million into the local economy, and this year's this show runs for 10 days.

As far as the exhibitors, one told us that one of the perks of being a part of dog shows is all the travel.

“We like to travel around the state," said exhibitor Viki Chevalier. I mean part of showing dogs you get to travel and see different parts of the states you go to, which is fun."

The Florida Gulf Coast Cluster is being held at Florida Classic Park through January 22.