FidoFest Returns This May for a Tail-Wagging Good Time!
WHEELING, W.Va. – April 3, 2025 – Get ready, dog lovers! Wheeling Heritage is excited to announce plans for the third annual FidoFest to take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025. This year’s celebration of our four-legged friends will take place at Garden Park and Fitzsimmons Family Dog Park in Warwood from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will feature a day packed with lots of fun, exciting activities for dogs and their owners, as well as a brand-new community art installation.
“I am thrilled to be part of FidoFest this year! This event wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support from our community. We can’t wait to see our neighbors and friends–and their canine companions- in Warwood for this awesome event and celebrate our furry friends together!” Riley Carpenter, director of programming at Wheeling Heritage.
What to Expect at FidoFest 2025
This year’s FidoFest will offer something for every dog and dog lover, including:
- Unveiling of a New Art Installation – A special exhibit at Fitzsimmons Family Dog Park in Waewood featuring artwork created by local dog owners.
- Stuff the Subaru – Drop off donations of food, toys, blankets, and other pet supplies at the Wheeling Artisan Center (downtown Wheeling) and Wheeling Volkswagen-Subaru (Tridelphia), with additional locations to be announced.
- Zoom Canine Entertainment – Two shows featuring high-energy performances of dog skills.
- Smiley Ann’s Photo Van – Snap adorable pictures with your furry best friend.
- AKC Event – Watch impressive demonstrations and learn from canine experts.
- K-9 Unit Demonstration – See tactical maneuvers in action.
- Scent Work Demo by Jill Robbins – Learn about scent detection training.
- Adoption Area – Find your new four-legged companion through the Ohio County Animal Shelter and Road Home Animal Project.
- Doggie Nail Bar: Nail services provided by Dog Wash & Grooming and Bianca Saporito & Angela Watkins.
- Food Trucks – Enjoy delicious offerings from Ideal Provisions, So Nuts for Donuts, and Mason Dixon BBQ.
- Vendor Market – Shop pet-friendly products and artisan goods from local vendors.
- Raffle Baskets – Enter for a chance to win a variety of baskets filled with fantastic dog products, treats, and services.
- Kids’ Center – A dedicated area with activities to keep young dog lovers entertained.
- Live DJ & Music – Keep the energy going all day long.
- Exclusive FidoFest T-Shirts – Get yours at FidoFest!
- Costume Contest – It’s Back! Dress your pup in their most creative, hilarious, or adorable outfit and compete for top prizes. Categories will be announced soon—stay tuned!
“We are happy to lend support to Wheeling Heritage in hosting this great festival,” said Ellen Gano, a representative of Volunteer Wheeling. “We’re still in need of volunteers to help out the day of the event and encourage folks to sign up.”
FidoFest 2025 is made possible with the support of our main sponsor, Dirty Paws, along with other generous sponsors: Bernie Glenn Insurance Company, Costanzo Woomer Mistendirk, PLLC., DeFranco Financial, Dog Wash & Grooming, Hazlett, Burt & Watson, Inc, K.E.Y. Animal Hospital, MCTV, OVBTC – Upper Ohio Valley Building & Contractors Trades Council, Pawz In Time LLC, Play ‘n Stay, Smith Oil Inc., Visit Wheeling, WV, Wheeling Volkswagen-Subaru, and Windswept Farm Honey.
Get Involved!
Interested in becoming a vendor, volunteer, or sponsor at FidoFest? Go to https://wheelingheritage.org/fidofest/ or call (304) 232-3087 to learn more.
For the latest updates and announcements, follow Wheeling Heritage on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WheelingHeritage/.
About Wheeling Heritage:
Wheeling Heritage is a catalyst for the revitalization of Wheeling. Through historic preservation, community development, and the arts, we help to tell Wheeling’s story and shape its future. We seek to improve the quality of life in Wheeling by preserving and investing in our city, collaborating with others, and engaging the citizens of Wheeling in our work.
