By AML Publisher
Photography courtesy of April Ziegler Photography

Philadelphia pet photographer, and AML staff member, April Ziegler will be one of the vendors at Fidos Festival 2009. Come by and meet April!

Hundreds of furry friends from near and far will meet, greet and compete on the grounds of the Salem County Fairgrounds in Woodstown, NJ for the 2009 Fidos Festival USA, Friday August 28th through Sunday August 30th. The event, in its second year, is expected to draw over 5,000 attendees as the exclusive summer dog festival held on the east coast. Dozens of vendors will be part of the appeal, some coming from as far as way as California. “It is a great time, packed with dogs and dog lovers-families and friends. Fidos Festival offers an awesome family atmosphere and also a great family vacation. Many of our guests who attended last year camped out on the grounds and enjoyed the entire three day event. There is really nothing else like it for dog lovers in this region of the country,” enthused Jackie Gordon, event specialist for Events Plus, the company behind the festival.

In keeping with this year’s “Tropical Pooch Paradise” theme, canine contests will include Limbo competitions, Beach Comber Costume contests, and Surfer Races, and more. Dog owners can shop for innovative dog products as well as enjoy a variety of foods for humans. Several dog rescues, celebrities, dock diving, agility course, lure racing, fly ball demonstrations, training demonstrations, and presentations by pet experts will round out the fun. Camping options are offered on site.

www.fidosfestivalusa.com

Attendees and their dog can just browse the grounds and take in the animal-friendly atmosphere or participate in a parade, Frisbee contest, beach comber costume event (complete with grass skirts) and more. There is even a contest for top owner and dog look-a-likes! With over thirty years experience in the industry, Events Plus was able to launch Fidos Festival with an impressive 3,000 attendees in 2008, its inaugural year.

Events Plus also secured Fidos Festival in a venue that could accommodate tens of thousands-60 plus acres which are part of the Salem County Fairgrounds. Since camping options are available on site and there is plenty of parking and support, thousands can comfortably enjoy an extended weekend experience. “We have so many great activities as part of the fun that you will definitely never be bored even if you attend all three days—from fashion shows, to experts who offer sessions on nutrition and pet care and more. There are also several rescue groups that are on hand to speak one-on-one with the festival goers. And, last year we were successful in having a handful of dogs adopted as well, which was a great feeling! Fidos Fest is really something else—I can hardly wait for this year’s show,” enthused Gordon

The most anticipated event of Fidos Fest 2009 will be Saturday’s wedding ceremony. The organizers are attempting to break a Guinness World Record—for the largest dog wedding ceremony ever. Those wishing to register their pooch can do so via the event website at: poochpartner.fidosfestivalusa.com

The highlight of the weekend, though, will undoubtedly be Saturday afternoon’s interesting ‘trip down the aisle’ for dozens of dog couples. Fidos Festival 2009 is attempting to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest dog wedding ceremony ever. And, there’s still time to register your four legged bride or groom. And, if your pet hasn’t met the right mate, upload a photo, check out the available pups, and propose. (As Gordon pointed out, dogs suffering ‘commitment issues’ may choose to play the field until they find their match at the festival.) The wedding will take place on Saturday August 29 at 2pm. A complimentary wedding treat and marriage certificate will be offered to all participants.

Fidos Festival 2009

What:

Fido’s Festival USA is proud to present “Tropical Pooch Paradise” and three days of dog-centered, dog-loving fun and activities for dogs and dog lovers. Friendly island themed dog contests, innovative dog products, health & training sessions and demonstrations, awesome entertainment, island craft pavilion, doggie play area with refreshing doggie pools, dock diving, lure racing, agility course, flyball demonstrations, police dog demonstrations, adoptions and rescues, food court, guest appearances, presentations by pet experts, on-site camping and much more! Advance tickets on-line $9 per person for one day, $20 for weekend pass. Tickets at the gate are $12 per person for one day, $25 for weekend pass. Dogs and children 12 and under free. Parking is free.

When:

4 PM – 9 PM Friday, August 28;
10 AM – 5 PM Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30

Website:

www.fidosfestivalusa.com

Where:

The Salem County Fairgrounds
735 Route 40
Woodstown, NJ 08098
(Exit 4 off of I 295)

Who:

David and Elvis, Greatest American Dog reality television show
Dr. Harvey Cohen, a pioneer in holistic and natural nutrition for animals
Andrew Darlow, award winning author and photographer
Fido and Fidette, our festival mascots
Karen Quigley and Elwood, 2007 World’s Ugliest Dog

For advance tickets or more information visit www.fidosfestivalusa.com.

By AML Publisher
Photos courtesy of April Ziegler Photography

The pattern dubbed ‘Quiet Birds Homecoming’ is Scherzer’s best selling collar.

Burberry meets houndstooth, a row of powder pink owls pair up with a robin’s egg blue background, comical turtles with silly expressions dance on a crisp white fabric. Sounds like a sampling from a chic Main Line baby boutique-but in actuality its part of the preppy, fashion forward selection of dog collars from Big Doggy Bling. A Medford, New Jersey based online company, Pam Scherzer’s dog leashes are catching on as one the hottest pet products on the East Coast-and throughout the country. “I received a tweet the other day from a producer from the Oprah Winfrey show; she ordered some collars from me. That was pretty cool! I love my patterns and selection and I work really hard with the line so it was very exciting for me. Of course, when I shipped out the order I put a few extra collars in the mix for Oprah to check out. So, we shall see,” enthused Scherzer.

A very exciting ‘tweet’ considering Big Doggy Bling (www.bigdoggybling.com) has been hand sewing super sophisticated dog leashes, collars and harnesses for just over two years. In an extremely competitive industry of pet products, Scherzer decided to start offering collars for bigger dogs because of a void in the market. “I’m a crafty person naturally and I just decided to make custom collars for my own dogs because I could not find anything I really liked. And, what was out there was way too cutesy and they all fit the tiny, lap dogs. There are plenty of companies producing for those breeds but not too many catering to Bulldogs and the larger guys and gals,” explained Scherzer.
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By AML Publisher
Photos courtesy of April Ziegler

The Mid-Atlantic Bullyfest has attracted national attention and sparked popularity in events that raise money for rescue efforts throughout the country. Pictured is Manny, a bulldog currently up for adoption through HeavenSent.

A sunny and sensationally warm April 18th set the stage for the seventh annual Mid-Atlantic Bullyfest, hosted by Medford’s HeavenSent Bulldog Rescue. Families from across the tri-state region, and from all walks of life, gathered together for a spring barbeque and festival—all proudly showing off their most beloved furry family members. Brindled and solid brown, white and speckled grey—from newborns to ten-year-olds and every age in between, hundreds of the region’s English bulldogs barreled, sunned and snorted around the grounds of the Hugo residence on Taunton Lake road in Evesham, New Jersey. It was the first toasty afternoon of the spring, reminiscent of the dog days of summer, so many of the guests settled comfortably in the shade with their water bowls while families and friends participated in a silent auction, mingled with the vendors or cheered on the rescue parade.
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By AML Publisher

Blushing bride Vicki Pettinaro at her spring 2008 wedding

AroundMainLine.com recently celebrated our six month anniversary in March, popping the champagne as we look back on this exciting and rewarding adventure we embarked on in September 2008. It’s been a fantastic experience to publish Philadelphia’s first e-magazine, bringing the best of the Main Line and western suburbs to life online, like never before, and delivered directly to the desktops of our loyal readers across the region. Now, its time to look ahead at a great future!

As our tagline communicates, AML’s goal is to consistently honor this area’s culture by ‘Living and Loving Philly’s Main Line.’ And, that philosophy will continue to be woven throughout everything we do—from features and parties to events and exciting new corporate partnerships with some of the region’s most prestigious companies and business owners. As the weather warms, the crocuses bloom and we embark on a spring season that offers renewal and hope, AML will be blossoming as well.
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By Laura Klein
AML Contributing Writer

Kate MacNamara of Kati Mac Floral Designs in West Chester set the mood with her elegant, beautiful arrangements.
www.katimacfloraldesigns.com

It was truly an affair to remember! Hundreds of Main Liners and city slickers ‘dressed to impress and donated to make a difference’ (as the invitation suggested) as Philadelphia’s first e-magazine, AroundMainLine.com, successfully hosted their first fundraiser and local event. Be Mine on the Main Line brought out over 300 guests to Blush Restaurant & Bar in Bryn Mawr on Friday, February 6th in an awesome display of support for the Pennsylvania SPCA.

“What can I say about Be Mine? It was a night that was most rewarding for everyone involved. And, a total team effort from top to bottom. As Philadelphia’s first e-magazine, AroundMainLine.com has worked very hard to develop great friendships with local businesses in a short period of time and, in this economy, we have figured out a way to tap into those resources, connect the dots, and bring a local community together unlike anyone else—online. Combined with the enthusiasm we have received since our September 30th launch and an amazing new partnership with the PSPCA, this was an event that wowed the region. We are quite proud,” said Sarah Lockard, AroundMainLine.com CEO and Publisher. Added Nick Chapman, PSPCA Special Events Planner:”The Pennsylvania SPCA thanks AroundMainLine.com for their efforts to help homeless animals in the state of Pennsylvania. Be Mine on the Main Line was an amazing success, raising over $2,000 to help rescue, rehabilitate and re-home animals in need. We at the Pennsylvania SPCA are honored to work with fantastic people like those at AroundMainLine.com.”

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Photos courtesy of Kevin E. McPherson

Part 3 of our 3 Part Series: AroundMainLine.com takes you for an exclusive, online tour of the 2008 PSPCA designer show house.

Dear AML Readers:

Every Dog Has Its Day
Designer Jim Fulton of Philadelphia's Fury Design (www.furydesigninc.com) with his French Bulldog Henry

This is AML’s third and final installment of our three-part series highlighting the PSPCA’s 2008 Doghaus. This has been such a rewarding experience for the entire AroundMainLine.com team. Animal causes are of great importance to me personally; over the past few years, I have been deeply disturbed by the number of animal-cruelty incidents exposed by the local and national media. As you may know, Philadelphia has one of the highest rates of dog-fighting of any city in America. This is really not the forum to ask why…but we should all be thinking about what we can do to protect these animals from such unimaginable circumstances.

Contributing to the PSPCA is a great first step — right now, you can donate just twenty-five dollars and get the chance to tour an incredible designer show house to boot. Doghaus waits for you to walk through its doors, which close after November 9th. So, here is your final chance to visit the Edgcumbe House in Chestnut Hill. Make sure you pencil some time into your busy schedule—you will not be disappointed!

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Photos courtesy of Kevin E. McPherson

Part 2 of our 3 Part Series: AroundMainLine.com takes you for an exclusive online tour of the 2008 PSPCA designer show house.

Lucky Dog!
Media Night gave AML mascot Max a chance to schmooze with NBC10's Dawn Timmeney

Dear AML Readers:

This is AML’s second installment of our three-part series highlighting the PSPCA’s 2008 Doghaus. Sometimes when a fantastic charitable cause includes a beautiful venue and a slew of cocktail parties and socials, it’s easy to get caught up in the fun and forget the real purpose of the event. And, I can admit that I have been guilty of that on many occasions. However, this exciting and creative effort, that has resulted in one of the most beautiful show houses I’ve ever laid eyes on, keeps front-of-mind the fact that every single visitor who walks in the door will be contributing to the heroic efforts of the PSPCA.

The Pennsylvania SPCA (www.pspca.org) helps over 75,000 animals a year through their cruelty-and-neglect investigations, rescue efforts, medical programs, and adoption programs. I recently visited the website of the Main Line Animal Rescue (www.mlar.org) and saw the loving, beautiful faces of hundreds of animals waiting for a chance at a new beginning. And, that is just one shelter! When you think of the difference it would make if just a handful of pet owners were a bit more responsible and had their pets spayed or neutered, there would not be such a national crises. Unfortunately, that is not the reality we are facing.

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By AML Publisher
Photos courtesy of Kevin E. McPherson

Edgcumbe House, Doghaus 2008
Chestnut Hill, PA

AroundMainLine.com takes you for an exclusive online tour of the 2008 PSPCA designer show house.

Dear AML Readers:

The Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) is hosting its third annual DogHaus, a highly anticipated designer show house organized every other fall that brings together some of the Main Line and Philadelphia’s most innovative designer minds. All proceeds for the event support the PSPCA’s efforts to help abused and neglected animals throughout the state. Starting October 11th, the PSPCA will welcome thousands of visitors to the Edgcumbe House in Chestnut Hill. The estate is an impressive 10,000 square foot stone mansion built in 1861 that dominates a spacious private property on exclusive Norwood Avenue. The Chestnut Hill Historical Society prevented this architectural masterpiece (which was then owned by Chestnut Hill Hospital) from demolition in 1980. The house is now in private ownership.

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