CaliGroom Central 2026 Event Recap
by Teri DiMarino 

 

The California Professional Pet Groomers Association hosted its third annual CaliGroom Central on May 31 at the Lodi Grape Festival

Fairgrounds in partnership with the San Joaquin Kennel Club. The event was once again a tremendous success, giving groomers the opportunity to enjoy both the grooming competition and the dog show.

CPPGA CaliGroom competitions stand out because they are open only to novice and intermediate groomers. Esteemed judge Irina Pinkusevich

welcomed competitors into the ring for three classes: Poodle, All Other Pure Breeds, and Freestyle.

Each class recognized first-time competitors, and Tina Zhang, competing with a Miniature Poodle, received Best in Show First Timer. Elizabeth Gosa

earned the coveted Best in Show award with her Standard Poodle. Class prizes, Best First Timer, and Best in Show were generously sponsored by Foxy Roxy, Earthbath, Groom Loop, and TransFURmational Bookkeeping.

We are still finalizing a new location for CaliGroom South. In the meantime, mark your calendars for CaliGroom Central 2027 on Sunday, June 5, 2027.