The tasks of a working breed just never stop and we have a working WinterFest weekend with lots and lots of tasks in front of us.

Remember all of that hard work from Polar Plunge?

Yes, Frankie, once again, you are going to have to exhibit that strong work ethic of yours and let people scratch your ears and your neck and your belly. You will demonstrate professional decorum the whole time, right?

Is this professional decorum?

Close enough. We will be at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds for WinterFest Smoky Style on Saturday from 10 a.m. until around 6. And, yes, Frankie will sacrifice by letting you pet and scratch him as much as you want.

Let’s go. Let’s go. Let’s go.

The festival will have sled dogs, weight pulling dogs, law enforcement dogs, live music, lumberjacks, members of the Cherokee Nation, vendors, and much more. And, yes, there will be a certain Herd hanging out looking for attention.

Do I have to take them, too?

Yes, Frankie, all six of The Herd will be dividing up the attention, so you have to share. Don’t worry about that snow, though, all of that is at the house, but not down in the valley at the Festival Grounds. The weather will be sunny and beautiful, so everyone close – or not so close – should plan to come for a great WinterFest!