The dog days of spring will bloom when the Shepherdstown Visitors Center presents DogFest on Saturday, April 28, from 10am-4pm, and Sunday, April 29, from 11am-4pm. Exhibitors will be on North King Street, and several exciting events will take place on the grounds of Shepherd University.
As always, DogFest will bring together all-breed rescue organizations, dog shelters, and breed-specific rescues drawn from five states and Washington, D.C. Many of those organizations will bring adoptable dogs with them. Visitors will be encouraged to meet the dogs, and to learn about their personalities, their grooming and other needs, and the process of adoption.
Border collies return to the campus “Midway” on Sunday, where they will display their uncanny skills controlling sheep. Working, service, morale, and assistance dogs of all sorts will be among DogFest exhibitors. For the first time, Paws of Honor, a non-profit providing medical care for retired military and law enforcement dogs will join the event. Shepherdstown Police Department’s own canine officer, Apollo, will also make an appearance.
DogFest sponsor Greensburg Bed and Biscuit will be on the street with obedience and trick demonstrations, as well as information about their boarding, grooming, and training programs. This year, Greensburg will also conduct free “Help!” behavioral and obedience clinics to help visitors whose dogs are not quite perfect.
Two Rivers Treads joins DogFest as a sponsor for the first time. At 9am on Saturday, they will kick everything off with a pre-Fest Fun Run of one mile for kids and their dogs, and two miles for adults and dogs. TRT will install a small obstacle course on the Midway as a part of the Run, and leave it there throughout Saturday for a do-it-yourself agility course for visitors and exhibitors alike.
Dog-centered vendors will be on hand with fine and hand-made products—from pet photography to dog clothes to healthful pet treats, and more.
As always, there will be a Blessing of the Dogs each day, and the Fest will close with a Community Dog Show.
New at SVC
The Visitors Center is also offering two new products to show your love for Shepherdstown while helping support the volunteer organization. Their new SHEP car window stickers are available at the Center (201 S. Princess St.) and at Dickinson & Wait Craft Gallery (121 E. German St.) for $5 apiece.
And coming soon is the eagerly awaited return of the classic embossed metal Shepherdstown license plate. Featuring raised blue letters on a dark yellow field, the plate will be available at the Center for $22, plus tax. Stop into the Center to add your name to the request list or message them on Facebook.
The Shepherdstown Visitors Center produces three major events each year: DogFest, BooFest, and Christmas in Shepherdstown. It also coordinates with other community groups to support and publicize their events, reaches out to and cooperates with individuals and tourism groups to create authentic and engaging visitor experiences, and markets Shepherdstown businesses. It welcomes guests every day from 10am-4pm at the Visitors Center. Volunteers of all interests are gratefully accepted.
— Submitted by the Shepherdstown Visitors Center
By Staff Contributor