Even dogs from around the world will be taking part in this weekend’s two-day Langley International Festival, showing how truly multi-cultural the event has become.

There could be German shepherds, Labrador retrievers, American bulldogs, Boston terriers, Australian cattle dogs, Bernese Mountain dogs, black Russian terriers, Mexican chihuahuas, Newfoundlanders, Norwegian elkhounds, English cocker spaniels, and maybe even Irish Setters taking part in the Dogwood Pacesetters demonstrations.

The canine sports club, established in Langley in 1986, has about 40 active members, many of which will be taking part in the free demonstrations as part of the festival at the Langley Events Centre and Willoughy Community Park, explained president Val Beliak.

On both Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 28 and 29, the Dogwood Pacesetters will be hosting an hour-long show that includes agility demonstrations, as well as a precision drill with dogs running a course to music.

There will be a variety of dogs and handlers on hand from all over the Lower Mainland, with Dogwood members coming from as far as Mission and North Vancouver to be part of the event, she said.

“One of our goals, because we’re a non-profit, is to give back to the community,” said Beliak, a former Langley resident who plans to be there with her two golden retrievers and border collie-mix.

The club frequently does public demonstrations, including appearances at the Canada Day festivities in Langley, Aldergrove Fair Days, and the Tradex dog shows each fall in Abbotsford. They were excited to be asked this year to be part of the International Festival.

Watch for their demonstrations at 1 and 3 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday.

Members will also be onhand each day to answer questions about the club, and its different event.

The group’s focus is as diverse as the types of dogs it represents. Some members are involved in agilities and drill team, as well as herding, rallying, obedience, field and hunt trials, and tracking – but the sports club brings together dog enthusiasts who want to promote the well being of any dog, Beliak said.

New members are always welcome.

Catch a more detailed lineup of events at the Langley International Festival on page A17 of today’s edition.