Eva, a three-year-old Australian Shepherd lets Sierra Best know that it is time to play fetch as they wait for their turn to start during a Skyhoundz disc dog competition Sunday afternoon at South Park.

Flying discs and dogs were in the air Sunday for the Skyhoundz Local Championship at South Park, 1141 Massachusetts St.

About 200 spectators turned out to watch the event, responding with cheers when dogs made catches and “aws” when they missed. Seven-year-old competitor Adalynn Smith, of Kearney, Mo., said her strategy is to forget about the crowd and focus on the dog.

Adalynn and her 1-year-old dog, D-max, a mixed-breed rescue dog, participated in the distance/accuracy competition.

“My favorite part is seeing him jump up and catch it,” she said.

The Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department hosted the event, which was free and open to the public. Dogs of all types and abilities took part — mixed-breed, purebred, novice and veteran competitors — doing their best to catch the discs as they spun overhead.

The competition had two categories: the distance/accuracy competition and the freestyle event. Over 30 dogs participated in the event this year, said George Vogel, event volunteer and Lawrence resident. Vogel said the event is a way to take disc throwing beyond the backyard.

“This is mostly a community event for fun,” he said.

Seven-year-old Adalynn Smith, of Kearney, Mo., plays tug of war with her dog D-Max, a Texas Heeler mix, as they compete in a Skyhoundz disc dog competition Sunday afternoon at South Park.

The competition also included some champion dogs from the area. Jackie Rodeffer-Scheetz, of Belton, Mo., competed with her dog, Towser, who has entered world championships in multiple disc events.

Towser is a rescue dog that is a mix of three breeds known for herding. Rodeffer-Scheetz said a lot of dogs and their human companions are brought into the sport because it’s a great way for high-energy herding breeds to get out their energy.

“It’s also a great bonding experience for the dog and owner,” she added.

photo by: John Young

Freddy, a three-year-old Border Collie / Australian Shepherd mix, pulls down a flying disc during a Skyhoundz disc dog competition at South Park on May 3, 2015.

The owner-dog teams earned points for basic throws and catches, with bonus points for mid-air catches in the distance/accuracy event. The freestyle event, accompanied by music and comprising freeform and choreographed throws, saw teams adding stunts and acrobatics.

All competitors received an official Hyperflight K-10 competition standard flying disc, and the top three finishers received awards.