FidoFest Returns on May 16 with Full Day of Dog-Friendly FunÂ
WHEELING, W.Va. â May 4, 2026 âWheeling Heritage will host its annual FidoFest on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Garden Park in Warwood. The free, family-friendly event celebrates the communityâs love of dogs with activities, demonstrations, vendors, an adoption center, and entertainment for all ages. FidoFest has become a signature summer event, drawing dog lovers from across the valley for a day of fun, shopping, and connection with local pet-focused organizations and businesses. Attendees can purchase this yearâs official FidoFest T-shirt by Holler Merch, have a custom pup portrait created by Greenâs Photography, and support the âStuff the Subaruâ donation drive benefiting local animal shelters. Donation boxes are available in advance at the Ohio County Public Library, Wheeling Artisan Center, and Wheeling Volkswagen-Subaru, as well as onsite during the event. "The whole team at Wheeling Subaru is once again proud to be a FidoFest sponsor, and are proud to help care for and support all of our furry friends." Tony Bonitatibus, Sales Manager at Wheeling Subaru âFidoFest continues to grow each year, and itâs become such an exciting way to bring people together while supporting local animal organizations and small businesses. There really is something for everyone, whether youâre coming for the dogs, the vendors, the demonstrations, or just to enjoy a fun day in the park. Itâs a welcoming, high-energy event that reflects the spirit of our community, and weâre excited to see it return to Garden Park!â Riley Carpenter, director of programming at Wheeling Heritage. Event highlights include a Doggy Parade at 11:30 a.m., where participants and their pets will take a celebratory lap around the park. Costumes are encouraged but optional, and all participating dogs will receive a goody bag. Additional activities throughout the day include live music, demonstrations, childrenâs programming, and interactive experiences. Schedule of events: 10:30 a.m.: Pawz in Time demonstration 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Meet and greet with Bluey 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Ohio County Public Library storytimes and crafts 11:30 a.m.: Doggy Parade Noon: Live music by Stone Campus 1:30 p.m.: Wheeling Police Department K9 demonstration 2:15 p.m.: Upper Ohio Valley Obedience Training Club demonstration 2:45 p.m.: Raffle basket winners announced 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Adoption Center open with multiple local rescue organizations: Ohio County Animal Shelter, Marshall County Animal Shelter, The Road Home Animal Project, Belmont County Animal Shelter Vendors and food trucks include 87 Coffee Co., B & T Creations, Boyds Barkery, Caricatures by Megz, Confectionery Canvas, David Weimerâs Typewriter Portraits, Dunyaâs, Dupeâs Scoops, Evelynâs Creations, Greenâs Photography, K9 Compass LLC, Leona Crafts, LexPDesigns, Low Stress Pet Services, Mason Dixon BBQ, MCTV, MERK & Co., Ohio County Public Library, Pawsitive Creations, Pawz In Time/HeartSoul Dog Training, Potomac Concessions (Mr. Squeezyâs Lemonade), Sea Salt & Cedar, The Friendlier City Project, The Gringos Tacos, The Kernel Crew, The Moors Collective, The Spotted Hound Accessories, Upper Ohio Valley Obedience Training Club, West Liberty University Biology/Veterinary Program, WPHS Paws for a Cause, and Yinz & Yappers. Wheeling Heritage extends its appreciation to this yearâs sponsors, including lead sponsor Dirty Paws; Wheeling Volkswagen-Subaru; Hall of Frame; K.E.Y. Animal Hospital; MCTV; Upper Ohio Valley Building & Construction Trades Council; Pet Supplies Plus; Smith Oil Inc.; Uniglobe; Visit Wheeling, W.Va.; and Wheeling Veterinary Associates. For updates and more information, follow Wheeling Heritage on Facebook or visit wheelingheritage.org. Read the full article












