The organizers of Shepherdstown fourth annual “DogFest” weekend have announced schedule details for the May 14-15 event.

The DogFest will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. It will include a wide variety of activities for dogs, their owners, dog lovers and the general public. Most of the activities will be located on King Street, downtown, in front of the Town Hall. All of the organized activities will be free and everyone will be welcome.

The main event Saturday will be a parade of dogs that will showcase adoptable dogs from a dozen different breed-specific rescue organizations and local all-breed shelters.

Saturday will also include a community dog show open to dogs owned by both visitors and residents.

Sunday will feature sheepdog demonstrations with Border Collies, flyball demonstrations and opportunities for children to ride in carts pulled by giant but very friendly Newfoundland dogs. There will also be free children’s movies at the Opera House.

Both days will include blessings of the dogs; exhibits and demonstrations by trainers, rescue organizations and others; and children’s activities. There will also be a silent auction of goods and gift certificates donated by Shepherdstown businesses.

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.

Previously held during August, the event has been shifted to the spring this year to get away from the summer heat.

The Dogfest is sponsored by the Shepherdstown Visitors Center; watch the Center’s website at www.shepherdstown.info for schedule updates.

For more information, contact Marianne Davis at 304-876-2786 or SVC@shepherdstown.info.

Schedule for 4th annual Shepherdstown DogFest Weekend May 14-15

Notes: Most activities will be held in front of the Town Hall on North King Street between German and High streets, which will be closed to vehicle traffic. The Midway that will be the site of the sheepdog and flyball demonstrations is the grassy area between the Student Center and Sara Cree Hall on the Shepherd University campus; this is located on King Street, just one block north of the main exhibit area.

Details of some events may change. Check the Shepherdstown Visitor’s Center website at www.shepherdstown.info for the latest schedule information.

During the weekend, the Visitors’ Center will have a booth on King Street to offer assistance and answer questions on site. They will also be conducting a silent auction of goods and gift certificates donated by Shepherdstown businesses; winners will be announced at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

Shepherdstown businesses that have a paw decal will allow dogs on their premises. All dogs should be leashed, vaccinated for rabies and well behaved. Under no circumstance should anyone leave their dog in their vehicle; offenders will be prosecuted.

DogFest Schedule of Activities

Saturday, May 14

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

DogFest exhibit area open

10 -10:15 a.m.

Jefferson County Sheriff Pete Dougherty will kick off the day’s events by speaking about the recent sentencing of a local dogfighting ring leader and the status of humane legislation in Charleston.

10:15 – 10:45 a.m.

Dog Tricks Pawsitively with Kip, Harper, and Karin. See the results of positive-method training in action as Karin and her Border Collies, Kip and Harper, perform tricks and dance moves. Then ask questions and learn how to use positive methods to train your own dog.

11 – 11:30 a.m.

Blessing of the Dogs by Rev. GT Schramm of Trinity Episcopal Church.

11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Dog Tricks Pawsitively with Kip, Harper and Karin.

12:20 – 12:35 p.m.

FEMA Presentation Protecting pets in emergencies. Disaster planning seldom covers our pets, from emergency food and water distribution to emergency shelters. Learn what you can do to prepare all members of your family for emergencies.

12:35 – 1 p.m.

Obedience Advice. Greenburg Bed & Biscuit will offer helpful advice for handling your dog.

1 – 2 p.m.

Parade of Dogs. Meet both adoptable and local community dogs. Learn about their temperament, exercise and grooming requirements and find out if they are the dog for you. Then, meet a local breeder and learn what the term “responsible breeder” means and why it is important in the fight against puppy mills.

2:15 – 2:30 p.m.

Obedience Advice. Greenburg Bed & Biscuit.

2:30 – 4 p.m.

Community Dog Show. Start practicing those tricks! Design the perfect costume to show off your dog’s cutest moments. Train the kids to show off those dog show moves, because it’s time for the Community Dog Show! All are welcome to participate in this Shepherdstown tradition.

Sunday, May 15

Note: throughout the day on Sunday, Colonial Newfoundland Rescue will be offering rides for children in carts pulled by Newfoundland dogs. This is a fundraiser for the rescue group and the exact times will be determined by the number of dogs available, weather conditions and the dogs’ rest periods.

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

DogFest exhibit area open

10 – 10:30 a.m.

Obedience Advice. Greenburg Bed & Biscuit.

10:15 – 10:45 a.m.

Flyball on the Midway. The Corporal Punishment Flyball Team, led by owner Renee Nappier, will delight visitors with this fast-paced sport of hurdles, ball and exhilarated dogs. Some lucky children may be chosen to try to beat the dogs at their own game.

10:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Blessing of the Dogs by Rev. Karen Erskine-Valentine, of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.

10:45 – 11:30 a.m.

Sheep Dog Demonstration on the Midway. Sheep rancher Billy Pritchard is joined by Wink Mason, five-time champion Border Collie handler, and their dogs. Watch as dogs and men work as one in herding sheep into their pen. Learn how the men control the dogs and how the dogs maintain an almost mystical control over the sheep.

11 – 11:15 a.m.

FEMA Presentation Protecting pets in emergencies.

11:15 – 11:45 a.m.

Obedience Advice. Greenburg Bed & Biscuit.

11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Flyball on the Midway with the Corporal Punishment Flyball Team.

12:30 – 1 p.m.

Sheep Dog Demonstration on the Midway.

1 – 4 p.m.

Free Children’s movies at the Opera House: “Lady and the Tramp” and “Where The Red Fern Grows.” Doors open at 12:30 p.m.

1 – 1:30 p.m.

Obedience Advice. Greenburg Bed & Biscuit.

1:25 – 2 p.m.

Flyball on the Midway with the Corporal Punishment Flyball Team.

2:15 – 2:45 p.m.

Sheep Dog Demonstration on the Midway.

2 – 2:15 p.m.

FEMA Presentation Protecting pets in emergencies.

2:30 – 3 p.m.

Announcement of Silent Auction Results.

3 – 3:30 p.m.

Flyball on the Midway with the Corporal Punishment Flyball Team.

3:15 – 3:45 p.m.

Obedience Advice. Greenburg Bed & Biscuit.