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Pawpaw Festival Going Back To The Dogs
< < Back toThe Ohio Pawpaw Festival is celebrating its 14-year anniversary with the creation of Paws at the Pawpaw, an event organized by the Friends of the Shelter Dogs that sanctions activities especially for dogs.
Festival Founder Chris Chmiel says he hopes the event encourages people to bring their pets along to the popular festival.
"We used to allow dogs, but then the festival got bigger and we had to cut it off. And then a lot of people had already has this tradition of bringing their little doggies to the festival. So we're excited to have come up with a solution, and the Friends of Shelter Dogs have all these really great events planned," said Chmiel.
Paws at the Pawpaw will be held next the main festival grounds and will include music, games, and contests.
The fee is two dollars per dog with additional fees for pet sitting.
Chmiel says the new activities may be another point of attraction for the growing event.
"I think the atmosphere of Athens really comes through. People are really friendly and laid back here. There's a lot of good food, the music is better than ever. I just think people have a good time, and they tell their friends," said Chmiel.
This year's festivities will also feature an expanded beer garden, local artwork, wagon rides, and Grammy nominated musician CJ Chenier.
The festival will run from September 14-16 at Lake Snowden in Albany, with Paws on Pawpaws taking place on Saturday.