DogFest hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days with free movies at the Opera House at 4 and 8 p.m. on Saturday. Details of some events, demonstrations and exhibitors may change. Prior to the DogFest weekend, check the Shepherdstown Visitor’s Center website at www.shepherdstownvisitorscenter.com for the latest schedule information. If you have questions, contact Visitor’s Center Director Jan Hafer at 304-876-2786 or info@shepherdstownvisitorscenter.com.

During the weekend, the Visitors’ Center will have a booth in the center of town to offer assistance and answer questions on site. This is also where you can register for the dog show and hot dog eating contest. Dogs that are participating in the Dog Show will need to show proof of rabies vaccination. There will be several cool-down areas in town for dogs and their owners. Businesses that have a paw decal will allow dogs on their premises. All dogs should be leashed and well behaved. Under no circumstance should anyone leave their dog in their vehicle offenders will be prosecuted.

Main events

(All events will be held in front of the town hall on King Street unless otherwise noted)

Saturday, August 17

8-9:55 a.m. Registration for Dog Day 5K Race, corner of King and High streets. (Registration fee $20 per person)

10 a.m.DogDay 5K Race starts

10 a.m. Music: Bob Keel?Folk, Americana and alternative music

11 a.m. Dog Training Tips by author and training expert Pat Miller

12 noonStuffed Dog Parade

12:30 p.m.Talkin’ with Towpath, the wonder pup

1 p.m. Blessing of the Dogs by Reverend G.T. Schramm of Trinity Episcopal Church

1:15 p.m. Dog Show. Sponsored by PETCO

2:30 p.m.Hot Dog Eating Contest. Sponsored by Food Lion

3 p.m.Music: The Woodshedders?Acoustic Gypsy jazz

4 p.m.Free movie at the Opera House: the original version of 101 Dalmatians

Sunday, August 18

10 a.m. Music: Joe Taxi?Folk rock

11 a.m.Meet Samson, the US Park Service explosive detection dog

11:30 a.m.Pawsitively Kip?Border Collie tricks

12:15 p.m.Dog Show. Sponsored by PETCO

1:30 p.m. Blessing of the Dogs by Pastor Fred Soltow of St Peter’s Lutheran Church

2 p.m.Drink & Dog Dash Race

3 p.m.Music: The Outpatients?Folk rock

4 p.m. Free movie at the Opera House: Marley & Me

Demonstrations & Exhibits

(All will be offered Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. 4 p.m. unless otherwise noted)

On King Street, between German Street and Queen’s Alley:

(This section of the street will be closed to vehicle traffic.)

Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County

Basset Hound Rescue

Blue Mountain Home Pet Care

Blue Ridge Veterinary Blood Bank

Briggs Animal Adoption Center

Creations by Tiger Lily?Hand-made doggie coats

Dog groomer Karen Glennon. Dog grooming tips; advice on tools and techniques.

Fine Art Portraits by Suzanne?Animal portraits by commission. Cards for sale.

Greenburg Bed & Biscuit

Greyhound Rescue?Meet and greet with pamphlets and information (Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. 1 p.m.)

Joe Mayer Art. Teacher and artist who used to draw weekly “Townies” cartoons for the Chronicle will draw cartoons of you and your dog.

Mason Dixon Kennel Club?Information and obedience demo both days; “Meet the Breeds” Sunday at noon.

Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League (Sunday only 10 a.m. 2 p.m.)

Peaceable Paws. Author and trainer Pat Miller will be available for “ask the trainer” sessions. Will also offer copies of her books for sale. (Saturday only)

Rrruffing It Camp for Dogs & Polite Pets Training

Save a Yorkie Rescue (Both days 10 a.m. 2 p.m.)

Shepherdstown Fire Department. Will have a fire truck on hand for children to explore and information on fire alarms for the safety of families and their pets.

Towpath the Wonder Pup. Burned and abandoned on the C&O canal near Shepherdstown, the little trooper named Towpath has since blossomed into an international ambassador for the abused. Come meet the miracle pup and hear his heartwarming story

Wild Whiskers. A new, volunteer-based Trap-Neuter-Return program for cats.

At other Locations:

Dogs in History Walking Tour. Read about great dogs in history on storyboards; tour trail starts at Reynolds Hall.

Historic Shepherdstown Museum. Open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. both days. 129 East German Street.

Little House. Built in1929 as a teacher-training project. Includes a small limestone cottage with miniature furniture and fittings. Behind the cottage and across Town Run is a miniature dairy barn. At one time the grounds included tiny gardens and fields. On Princess Street, between German and High streets.

Wild Spirit Photography. Will photograph your dog for $20. You get one 8×10, two 5x7s, and eight wallet-size photos. In the Garden of ReFINEments, at 123 West German Street.

Shopping for Your Dog

Please note that shops with paw-print logos on their doors will allow dogs (well-behaved ones) inside.

D’Accord Boutique. Will offer fleur-de-lis collars and leashes, dog toys, and dog themed fashion bags.

Dickinson & Wait Craft Gallery. Will have collars with matching leashes, dog sculptures, paws earrings and “How smart is your dog?” wooden puzzles .

Four Seasons Books. Will feature a display of dog-themed books that will be discounted 10%.

German Street Coffee & Candlery. Dog-themed coffee mugs and coasters and locally roasted Black Dog coffee beans .

Grapes & Grains. Taste wines from Chateau Morrisette, a Virginia winery with labels that feature black dogs in honor of the owners’ Black Labs. Saturday 1:00 -7:00 p.m.

On the Wings of Dreams. Locally made pet charms ($6) for your dog’s collar made of semi-precious stones selected especially for good behavior, protection, health and love.

Plum. Will offer 10% discount on any “dog tag”-style custom necklace (handcrafted). For men or women.

ReFINEments. Dog beds, biscuits, toys, and pet clothing. Pet portraits will be taken in the garden.

Shepherdstown Liquors. Laughing Dog Brewery beer tasting Saturday 11 a.m. 7 p.m.

Up on the Hill. Puppy-Paint (non-toxic puppy nail polish) and YUM bar dog soap to benefit Kansas City Sheltie Rescue.

Special DogFest Menus

The following restaurants are offering dog-themed menu items. Please note that restaurants with paw-print logos on their doors will allow dogs (well-behaved ones) inside.

Betty’s. Smash Dog.

Bistro 112. French poodle martini, Southwestern France white sausages & Snake Dog IPA on tap.

Devonshire Arms. Dog cakes and doggie drinks.

Hypnocoffee. Locally baked dog treats.

Mountaineer Ice Cream. Doggy ice cream cones and hot dogs.

Press Room. The Greyhound.

Shepherdstown Sweet Shop. Variety of house-made treats specially crafted for the health and happiness of our canine customers.

Yellow Brick Bank Restaurant. Salty Dog cocktail and Dog Bites appetizers.