The historic town of Shepherdstown will hold its third annual “DogFest” the weekend of Aug. 15-16

The event will be held on North King Street in the heart of downtown, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., both days. It will include a wide variety of activities for dogs, their owners and dog lovers, as well as activities that everybody can enjoy.

The highlight of Sunday’s schedule will be a special “Look and Learn” parade of dogs featuring more than a dozen heritage breeds that are rarely seen outside of major dog shows.

The parade will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Afterwards, everyone will have an opportunity to do something they can’t easily do at major dog shows: meet and talk with the owners and breeders and see the dogs up close.

Participating breeds will include the following: Bedlington and Border Terriers; English and French Bulldogs; the rarely seen Pulik,; the statuesque Borzoi; Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis (presented by leading show judges of that breed); Keeshond; Whippets; Brittany and Cavalier King Charles spaniels; Rhodesian Ridgebacks (including this year’s Westminster best in breed); and an impressive number of Irish Wolfhounds, the world’s tallest dogs.

Sunday’s schedule will also include three sheepdog demonstrations.

The main activities on Saturday will be a parade of rescue dogs at 11 a.m. and a dog show open to dogs owned by residents and visitors at 3 p.m. There will also be a presentation of thanks to Jefferson County officials and others for the roles they played in the recent break-up of a local dogfighting business, and an end-of-the-day “Yappy Hour” for everyone at local bars and restaurants.

Both days will include blessings of the dogs; flyball demonstrations; exhibits and demonstrations by trainers, rescue organizations, and others; and children’s activities.

Throughout the weekend, many restaurants and stores and will let dog owners bring their dogs inside. Many will also be offering special dog-themed food, drinks, and items for sale.

Pools and misters will be set up so dogs can stay cool in the August heat.

Full schedule details are available on the Shepherdstown Visitors Center website at www.shepherdstown.info.

For more information contact the Center’s Director, Jan Hafer, at 304-876-2786 or SVC@shepherdstown.info.