Greyfest Unleashed FAQ

GENERAL

Q:  Will the entire event area be “unleashed?”
A:  No.  Only the field will be designated as an off-leash area.  Dogs must be leashed while in any of the other areas (inside the buildings, in the courtyard, etc.).

Q:  Will there be an event map so I know where everything is?
A:  Yes.  We will post several maps around the grounds so you will be able to find everything you are looking for.

Q:  What sort of entertainment and events will be taking place at GreyFest?
A:  We will have live music by “Fire on the Moon,” a training/behavior demonstration session and Q&A table, hound contests, a lure course, nail trimming  ($5 donation goes to GPA-MN), a variety of vendors, and a huge raffle.

Q:  Will I be able to use a credit card at GreyFest?
A:  Credit cards will be accepted at the GPA Merchandise booth for purchase of merchandise items and food tickets.  Due to MN law, we will not be able to accept credit cards for purchase of raffle tickets.

Q:  Will there be a tent in the field like there was for past GreyFest events?
A:  No.  Because there are two very large buildings on-site, we are able to use the buildings for the raffle, vendors, and eating area instead of renting a tent.

Q:  What about shade?
A:  The two on-site buildings will provide shade while you are inside.

Q:  Where will I be able to set up ‘camp’ for the day?
A:  We will have tables and some chairs set up inside the building.  You are invited to bring your own lawn chairs and are welcome to set up your home-base in the field (though there is not a lot of shade in the field).

Q:  Can I bring my own canopy tent to set up in the field?
A:  Yes.  If you bring your own canopy to set up in the field, please make sure you bring ample stakes to secure it so it does not blow away.

RAFFLE

Q:  Where will the raffle be located?
A:  The raffle will be set up inside the building.   Leashes are required in the raffle area.

Q:  Can I buy raffle tickets with a credit card?
A:  No.  The state of Minnesota classifies raffles as gambling, and gambling cannot be paid for by way of credit cards.  We will be able to accept cash or check for raffle ticket purchases. 

Q:  Can anyone participate in the raffle?
A:  Anyone over the age of 18 can participate in the raffle.  Because it is considered gambling, we must adhere to the rules established by the state of MN, which limits participation to those over the age of 18.

Q:  Why are there different raffle ticket colors?
A:  Raffle tickets come in three colors and three values:
Red $0.50 tickets
Yellow $1.00 tickets
Blue $2.00 tickets
Red ticket raffle items are valued at up to $50.00.  Yellow ticket raffle items are up to $100.00 value.  Blue ticket raffle items are the most valuable items worth more than $100.

Q:  How do I know which items require which ticket color?
A:  Each raffle item is pre-sorted on a corresponding colored table and has a corresponding color tag on the ticket box to indicate which color ticket must be used to enter for a chance to with that item.
RED ticket = RED tablecloth = RED ticket box tag
YELLOW ticket = YELLOW tablecloth = YELLOW ticket box tag
BLUE ticket = BLUE tablecloth = BLUE ticket box tag

Q:  Do I need to put my name on the tickets?
A:  Yes.  Write your name on the tickets and drop the entire ticket into the box for the item you wish to have a chance to win.  You only need to write your first and last name on the ticket; phone number and address are not required.  Be sure to make it legible so we can call the right name for the winning ticket!   HELPFUL HINT: Address labels are a quick and easy way to put your name on your tickets.

Q:  When will the raffle drawing take place?
A:  The raffle drawing will start at 2:30pm.  The winning ticket will be taped to the item and the item will be moved to a WINNERS table.  If your name is called, please make your way to the WINNERS table and identify yourself to the volunteers at the table to claim your prize.

Q:  Do I need to be present for the raffle drawing?
A:  If you enter your name in the drawings, but are not going to be present at the raffle drawing, you must have someone who can be there to pick up any prizes you may win.  All prizes must be claimed at the event.  We will not be able to hold or deliver any unclaimed prizes.

VENDORS

Q:  Where will the vendors be located?
A:  Vendors will be inside the buildings and around the courtyard.  Leashes are required in the vendor areas.

Q:  What types of vendors will be in attendance?
A:  We will have a wide variety of vendors selling a range of items.  Some are greyhound-related (coats, collars, beds, custom greeting cards, illustrations, etc.) and some will be selling more general merchandise (jewelry, pottery, henna art, etc.).  A final vendor list will be posted on the website before the event. 

Q:  Will I be able to use a credit card to purchase vendor merchandise?
A:  While some vendors may accept credit cards, most vendors will only accept cash or checks. 

CONCESSIONS

Q:  Where will the food be located?
A:  The food will be located in the courtyard area.  Leashes are required in the food area.

Q:  What type of food will be available for purchase?
A:  We will have home-made pulled pork sandwiches, grilled burgers and hot dogs, as well as veggie burgers.  We’ll also have a variety of snacks such as chips, nachos, cookies.  Soft drinks and bottled water will also be available.

Q:  Can I purchase food with raffle tickets?
A:   MN state law requires us to keep raffle ticket funds and “other” funds separate.  Therefore, food tickets will be separate this year.  The food tickets will be a different color, and will be worth 50-cents each.  You can also use the food tickets to pay  for the Lure Course.

UNLEASHED AREA

Q: Will the unleashed field area be open throughout the entire event?
A:  Yes and no.  The field will be open as an unleashed area for most of the event, but it will become a leash-required area while the lure course is running.  The hounds have in ingrained sense that kicks in when they hear the lure being pulled.  While the lure machine is in use, only the hounds that are running the course will be allowed off-leash. 

Q:  Can I come early to use the unleashed field?
A:  Unfortunately, no.  In order for the volunteers to be able to get everything set up for the event, we can only accommodate guests at the 11:00 a.m. event start time.

Q: Are there size restrictions on dogs that will be allowed into the unleashed area?
A:  Yes.  Because many hounds are not small-animal safe, only dogs over 30 lbs. will be allowed off-leash.  This is for the safety of those smaller dogs that look too much like a lure to hounds that are not small-animal friendly. 

Q: Is anything required of me before I allow my hound(s) to be off-leash?
A:  If you want to use the off-leash area or allow your dog to run the lure course, there will be a “Rules, Regulations and Release” form for you to sign at the Welcome table when you arrive.  Basically, it’s just an agreement that you’ll follow the rules.  After you have signed the form you will receive a hand stamp that will allow you and your dog to enter the unleashed field area.

Q:  Is every dog required to have a muzzle while they are in the unleashed area?
A:  Yes!  Every dog (greyhound or otherwise) must wear a muzzle in the unleashed area – no exceptions!  We want to keep the unleashed area safe and enjoyable for everyone.   If you have a muzzle, bring it along.  Muzzles are not required in areas where leashes are required. 

Q:  I don’t have a muzzle for my dog.  What should I do?
A:  If you want to obtain a muzzle in advance you can purchase one from our website store (http://store.gpa-mn.org).  We will also have some muzzles available for purchase at the event. 

Q: Will I be allowed to go into the unleashed area even if I don’t want to let my hound off-leash?
A:  Yes.  If you sign the release form you can enter the unleashed field at any time and can make the decision whether or not to keep your hound on a leash if so desired. 

Q: If I don’t sign the release form will I be allowed in the unleashed area?
A:  No.  If you choose not to sign the form you will not receive the “off leash” hand stamp and you will not be allowed to enter the field area.  This means your hound must stay leashed at all times.

Q: How will you make sure no hounds escape from the unleashed area?
A:  The unleashed area is surrounded by a secure, well-maintained fence.  Only one internal entrance will be used to access the unleashed area. It will be double-gated and there will be gatekeepers at each gate to make sure there are no accidental escapes.

Q: What if my dog is a “jumper?”
A:  If your dog has been known to jump a 4-foot fence, please do not allow your dog to be off-leash in the field.  While the fence is secure, it is only 4-feet tall and will not stop a “jumper.”

Q: Will I be allowed to leave my hound(s) in the unleashed area while I shop and peruse the raffle?
A:  No.  This rule will be strictly enforced.  In order to leave the unleashed area you must have the same number of hounds as when you entered the area.  This is to make sure every dog that is in the unleashed area is being watched by its owner and is not left there unattended.

Q:  Can I leave my unleashed hound(s) with another hound owner while I shop?
A:  No.  You are responsible for your own hound(s) while they are enjoying the unleashed field.  There will be a lot of hounds running around and it is not realistic to expect someone to watch their hounds as well as yours.  You know your hound better than anyone else and you are the one who must be responsible for them and watch them while they are playing in the unleashed area.  

Q:  Will the unleashed area rules be posted somewhere?
A:  We will post the unleashed area rules in several locations at the ranch.  Following the rules will keep it safe and fun for everyone.

Q:  That’s a huge field - do I really need to clean up after my dog out there?
A:  Yes, please!  If your dog does the squat, please be courteous to everyone and go pick it up as soon as you see it happen.  No one wants to clean up someone else’s dog logs or the mess that follows when somebody (hound or human) steps in it. 

LURE COURSE

Q:  Will my dog be able to run in Speed Alley again this year?
A:  We have secured a lure machine this year that will be used in place of Speed Alley.  The lure machine will pull a lure through a simple path and your dog will chase the lure.  We will be timing each run and will provide awards to the fastest hounds.

Q:  Where will the lure course be located?
A:  The lure course will be set up in a designated section of the field area.  It will only be running from 12:00pm to 1:30pm.

Q:  Will the field be open during the lure coursing?
A:  Yes, but the field will become a leash-required area while the lure course is running.  The hounds have in ingrained sense that kicks in when they hear the lure being pulled.  While the lure machine is in use, only the hounds that are running the course will be allowed off-leash. 

Q:  How can I register my dog(s) to chase the lure?
A:  The lure course will be open from 12:00pm to 1:30pm.  It will be run on a first-come, first-served basis.  If you are interested in letting your hound run the course, please join the group that will be gathering at the lure site.

MEDICAL CARE

Q: Is there a vet in the area that I can go to in case my dog gets hurt?
A:  Directions to the nearest vet will be available at the event.