Where High-Flying Dogs Steal the Show in Jackson
Location: Mississippi State Fairgrounds – Trade Mart & Mississippi Coliseum, Jackson, MS
Dates: Friday–Sunday, July 24–26
Featured Competition: DockDogs Big Air, Extreme Vertical & Speed Retrieve.
Other Attractions: Twiggy the Water-Skiing Squirrel, Uncle Si, hundreds of outdoor exhibitors, boats, ATVs, tractors and more
Admission: Adults $15 | Youth (6-12) $5 | Kids 5 & Under Free (Sunday: All Kids Free)
Worth the Detour? ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Every summer, thousands of Mississippians make their way to the Mississippi State Fairgrounds looking for a new fishing boat, a deer stand, a tractor, or the latest hunting gear.
But tucked inside the Coliseum is one of the most entertaining sporting events you’ll find anywhere in the state.
It’s called DockDogs, and if you’ve never watched it before, you’re missing out.
Imagine a Labrador sprinting full speed down a 40-foot dock before launching through the air in pursuit of a toy, flying more than 20 feet before crashing into a pool with a splash that sends water everywhere.
Now imagine dozens of dogs doing it all weekend.
That’s exactly what you’ll find at this year’s Mississippi Sports & Outdoors Show. With the Shark in the Park taking place at Blue Wahoos Stadium this weekend this making it this week a rare week where Magnolia Coast Sports Obscure has two Obscure Sporting Event of the Week.
More Than Just a Dog Jumping Competition
At first glance, DockDogs looks simple. A dog chases a bumper down a dock and jumps into a pool. Then you realize there’s an incredible amount of athleticism involved.
Handlers spend months training their dogs to build speed, improve timing and maximize distance. Every launch is measured, every jump counts, and many competitors travel across the country chasing points and qualifying events.
Throughout the weekend in Jackson, competitors will take part in three different disciplines.
Big Air measures pure distance as dogs leap as far as possible into the pool.
Extreme Vertical raises the challenge by asking dogs to jump upward to grab a suspended bumper hanging high above the water.
Speed Retrieve combines speed and accuracy as dogs race down the dock and try to snatch a floating object in the fastest time possible.
Whether you’re a lifelong dog owner or simply appreciate great athletes, it’s hard not to find yourself cheering after a spectacular jump.
A Sports Show Unlike Any Other
The DockDogs competition may be the sporting centerpiece, but it’s only one reason to visit.
The Mississippi Sports & Outdoors Show fills both the Trade Mart and Coliseum with hundreds of exhibitors showcasing everything from hunting and fishing gear to boats, tractors, ATVs, UTVs, power equipment and guided hunting and fishing trips. Visitors can also browse apparel, wildlife organizations, cooking demonstrations and outdoor products all under one roof—or technically two.
Then there’s Twiggy the Water-Skiing Squirrel.
Yes, an actual squirrel.
Twiggy has entertained audiences across the country for decades, gliding across the water on miniature skis while performing tricks that somehow never stop being entertaining. It’s one of those attractions that sounds too strange to be real until you see it with your own eyes.
This year’s show also features appearances by Duck Dynasty’s Uncle Si, giving visitors another reason to spend the day exploring everything happening around the fairgrounds.
Why It’s Worth the Trip
One thing I like about this event is that you don’t have to be an outdoorsman to enjoy it. Sure, you’ll see plenty of camouflage. You’ll probably hear conversations about duck blinds, deer leases and the latest fishing electronics.
But you’ll also find families gathered around the DockDogs pool cheering for dogs they’ve never met, kids laughing at Twiggy’s water-skiing routine, and people wandering the aisles simply because there’s something interesting around every corner.
The show has a little bit of everything. If you’re shopping for outdoor equipment, you’ll find it. If you’re looking for entertainment, it’s there. And if you’re searching for something you can’t experience every weekend, DockDogs delivers.
It’s one of those sports that’s surprisingly addictive.
You stop for five minutes…
An hour later you’re still standing there waiting to see if the next dog can jump even farther.
Sports Travel Rating
Atmosphere: ★★★★★
The energy around the DockDogs pool is contagious. Every jump gets a reaction from the crowd, whether it’s a personal best or an impressive splash.
Originality: ★★★★★
There aren’t many places in Mississippi where you can watch championship-caliber canine athletes, then walk a few steps and see a water-skiing squirrel.
Sports Connection: ★★★★★
DockDogs is much more than entertainment. It’s a nationally recognized canine sport with structured competitions, rankings and championship qualifying opportunities.
Travel Value: ★★★★★
With hundreds of exhibitors, live entertainment and competitions running throughout the weekend, it’s easy to spend an entire day at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds.
Final Verdict
One of my favorite parts about writing this series is finding sporting events that most people don’t even realize exist. DockDogs is exactly that.
It’s competitive.
It’s family friendly.
It’s uniquely Mississippi, and it reminds you that sports don’t always involve footballs, baseballs or basketballs. Sometimes they’re played with four legs, a floating toy and a whole lot of airtime.
If you’re looking for something different this weekend, head to Jackson. You may arrive thinking you’re going to an outdoor show. Don’t be surprised if you leave talking about the water skiing squirrel and that dog that flew 25 feet through the air instead.
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