LA PLATA, Md. – Just a few weeks before Maryland DogFest was scheduled to begin in April 2020, COVID-19 was sweeping the globe, causing events to be canceled—including Maryland DogFest. After a year and a half delay, the 9th annual Maryland DogFest returned to the Charles County Fairgrounds in La Plata, MD.
Thousands of people and their dogs attended to partake in the festivities celebrating everything dog-related. Dog products, services, clothing, entertainment, and even dog ice cream were available and on display.
One of the big hits of the event was the dog performers of the Ready GO Dog Show, a team of dog handlers and dog performers who traveled from Ohio to showcase their talents. The talented canine squad will perform at the Baltimore Ravens football game this upcoming weekend.
The costume contest on Sunday was also a crowd favorite with over one hundred entries. Dogs of all breeds and sizes sported unique costumes of all types.
Other events such as the agility course, course luring, dog demos, dog adoptions, exhibitors, and food vendors added to the excitement; however, the event’s true stars were the thousands of dogs in attendance.
After such a long time between the 2019 and 2021 events, Maryland DogFest coordinator Nick Simonds said he was thrilled to see all the dogs and their owners enjoying themselves again. “The support from the community, sponsors, and exhibitors has been overwhelming and much appreciated,” he added. “I wish I could personally thank everyone who attended and made the weekend so memorable.
The 10th annual Maryland DogFest will return to its usual spring timeframe next year and will be held April 23 & 24, 2022. The event will be adding 14,000 square feet of indoor and covered space so that weather won’t be an issue. Simonds believes the 10th annual Maryland DogFest “will be the largest and most exciting yet.”
Written by Nick Simonds, the organizer of the 2021 Maryland DogFest.
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