McVay memorial beagle event draws a crowd

| September 11, 2018

Dave McVay, far right, works the microphone at the annual Don McVay Sr. Memorial Beagle Field Trail, which was held Sept. 6-9 at Schumaker Farms. Josie Sellers | Beacon

WEST LAFAYETTE – People from at least 15 different states traveled to West Lafayette with their beagles to compete at the Don McVay Sr. Memorial Beagle Field Trail.

“If I had to guess I’d say there are around 1,500 people that come for the weekend,” said Dan McVay, one of Don’s sons. “I’ve talked to people that say they plan their vacation around this.”

The annual Don McVay Sr. Memorial Beagle Field Trail was held Sept. 6-9 at Schumaker Farms and is put on by the Coshocton County Beagle Club. Dave McVay, another one of Don’s sons, said it’s a great weekend for beagle enthusiasts and the community.

“These people love this area and they are staying here in our hotels and spending money here,” Dave said. “People feel welcome here.”

They also enjoy the extra events that come along with the Don McVay Sr. Memorial Beagle Field Trail like the inaugural Plum Creek Super Slam that the United Kennel Club also helped with. Thirty-two dogs competed in the event on Sept. 6, for the chance to win more than $3,000 in cash and prizes.

Natalie Mueller captured this picture of beagles roaming the countryside in Coshocton County during the annual Don McVay Sr. Memorial Beagle Field Trail. Contributed | Beacon

“We had advance entry for it and it sold out in 38 seconds,” Dave said.

Another big draw is the raffle prizes.

“The raffle is open to the public and there is no advance tickets sold,” Dave said. “They are all sold right here. Someone had the chance to walk away with a gun safe and $2,000 worth of guns in it with just a $1 ticket.”

There also are two scholarships given away on Saturday of the event.

“Don would just be so proud and overwhelmed by all of this,” said Vada McVay, Don’s widower.

Through the memorial, the McVay’s have even picked up extended family. Natalie Mueller, who Vada said is like a daughter, takes care of the event’s Facebook page and takes pictures.

“I like the family atmosphere and camaraderie of this,” Mueller said.

She used to show beagles and likes having the opportunity to still be around the breed.

“They are so cute and lovable,” Mueller said. “They are great family pets.”

Category: Clubs & Organizations, Multimedia, Photo Galleries

About the Author ()

I started my journalism career in 2002 with a daily newspaper chain. After various stops with them, I am happy to be back home! I graduated from Coshocton High School in 1998 and received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication in 2002 from Walsh University. I also earned several awards while working for daily papers, including being honored by Coshocton County’s veterans for the stories I wrote about them. I am honored and ready to once again shine a positive light on Coshocton County. I also am the proud mother of a little girl named Sophia!

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