PARKERSBURG - City Park was filled with dogs of all shapes, sizes and colors on Sunday for the third annual Mid-Ohio Valley Paws Festival of Dogs.
More than 100 residents sat in chairs around the bandshell to watch the dogs strut their stuff as they raised money for local humane societies and a dog park.
"My daughter started bringing her pug to this festival several years ago and now it's a family tradition," said Ernie Hathaway of Vienna. Hathaway brought his two dogs Sassy and Penny for the fun.
Around 30 dogs of all sizes and breeds participated Sunday in a pet pageant. Many of the people had dressed their dogs up in a variety of costumes, including pirates, hot dogs and bats - complete with wings.
Dogs were also judged for best trick, best in show and fan favorite.
The event was a fundraiser for the Humane Society of Parkersburg, the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley in Marietta and for the new dog park in Vienna, said organizer Miranda Haught of the Mid-Ohio Valley Paws, a nonprofit club.
"Every year we raise funds for the two local animal shelters and this year we are also trying to raise funds for the dog park in Vienna," she said. "We got approval from the city and now we need to get the money together to do it."
Vendors were on hand with many pet-related items and services.
Haught said volunteers helped put everything together and conduct the event Sunday.
"We owe them a big thanks this year," she said. "Without them, none of this would be possible."
The dogs who participated were walked across the stage wearing everything from a handkerchief tied around their neck to elaborate costumes.
Brittany Barker brought her 2-year-old pug Otis dressed as a bat, complete with a furry black cap with ears and open wings on his back.
"I just thought it was cute," said Barker who attended the festival from Belpre.
Four divisions in the pageant were Little Miss and Little Mister for pets weighing less than 20 pounds, Miss and Mister for pets that weigh more than 20 pounds and prizes for best trick, best in show and pet-master look-a-like.
"It's just a fun thing for people to do with their pets and help raise money for a good cause," Haught said.
Last year the festival raised enough money to allow the organization to purchase three bulletproof vests for area police dogs.
"The K-9 dogs are in as much danger as their human counterparts and we thought they needed the same protection," Haught said. "We were very happy to be able to provide the vests."
Haught said events like Sunday's festival show there are people who are active in supporting canine causes.
"An event like this is very important for people with dogs," she said. "We love our animals and we want to raise money for them to help them in any way we can and, I think, this is a great way to do it."
