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:
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.
September 9th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
My pooch, Dash, had a BLAST. Especially on the lure course – proceeds benefited the Susan G. Komen foundation. He must have ran the lure course 9 times and was mentally and physically EXHAUSTED. By the time we were ready to go home I had to carry him to the car!