The City of Fairfax went to the dogs, last Saturday, June 4, when it held its first ever Fido Fest. It was hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department on the civic green outside the Sherwood Community Center.

It was the brainchild of Parks and Recreation Director Cathy Salgado. And between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., a couple hundred dogs and their owners joined in the fun.

“It was a small, pet-friendly event,” said Salgado. “And it also gave the City’s pet-oriented businesses the opportunity to participate. Rescue groups were here, too, including the Friends of Homeless Animals and the Humane Society of Fairfax County.”

The event featured a dog agility course, pet photo booth, small wading pools, a pop-up dog park and free, frozen dog treats from Rita’s. And judging from the dogs’ happily wagging tails, plus the smiles and laughter coming from their owners, Fido Fest was a doggone success.