Leashes Up: Orange Beach Fido Fest Brings a Dog Pageant and Pet Market to Waterfront Park Nov. 8

ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — Dog owners in Orange Beach can bring their four-legged friends out for an afternoon of activities, shopping and a little friendly competition when the city holds its second annual Fido Fest on Sunday, Nov. 8, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Orange Beach Waterfront Park.

Orange Beach Parks and Recreation is presenting the event, which features dog-friendly activities, vendors, live music, pet caricatures, a kids and crafts area and the Mr. and Miss Fido Fest Pageant.

Fido Fest details

• What: Second annual Orange Beach Fido Fest
• When: Sunday, Nov. 8, 2 to 5 p.m.
• Rain date: Sunday, Nov. 15, 2 to 5 p.m., according to the city
• Where: Orange Beach Waterfront Park, 26425 Canal Road
• Host: Orange Beach Parks and Recreation
• Highlights: Dog-friendly activities, a pet vendor market, live music, pet caricatures, a kids and crafts area and the Mr. and Miss Fido Fest Pageant
• Rules: All dogs must be leashed and well-behaved
• Parking: Additional parking at the Orange Beach Public Library

A pageant for pups

The centerpiece of the afternoon is the Mr. and Miss Fido Fest Pageant, which returns for its second year. Owners can show off their dogs’ personalities, outfits and best behavior in front of a crowd of fellow pet lovers. Information on pageant entry and judging is available from Orange Beach Parks and Recreation.

Pet caricature artists will also be on hand to sketch dogs, giving owners a keepsake from the day. A curated market of pet vendors will offer products and services for dogs and their people, and live music will play throughout the afternoon.

Something for the kids, too

Fido Fest is designed as a family outing, not only a dog event. A dedicated kids and crafts area gives children a place to create while their parents browse vendors or line up for the pageant. Families who do not own a dog are welcome to come enjoy the music and the parade of pets.

Rules for dogs

The city’s rules are short: every dog must be on a leash and well-behaved. Owners should consider whether their dog is comfortable around crowds, other dogs, children and amplified music before bringing it along. A few other tips:

• Bring water and a bowl. Even in November, dogs can overheat in the afternoon sun.
• Carry waste bags and clean up after your pet.
• Use a standard leash rather than a retractable one in crowded areas.
• Make sure your dog’s vaccinations and identification tags are current.
• Give nervous or reactive dogs space, and do not let dogs greet each other without the other owner’s permission.

About Waterfront Park

Orange Beach Waterfront Park sits at 26425 Canal Road. The city park is a popular gathering spot for community events, and its location near the Orange Beach Public Library gives visitors an overflow parking option. The city encourages golf cart use for easy access to the event.

Orange Beach Parks and Recreation organizes a full calendar of community events throughout the year, from holiday celebrations to family festivals, and Fido Fest has quickly become one of its fall offerings for pet owners.

Dog-friendly Orange Beach

Orange Beach and neighboring Gulf Shores attract plenty of visitors who travel with pets, and the area has a growing list of dog-friendly patios and parks. Dogs are generally not permitted on the public beaches in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, which makes events like Fido Fest and the city’s dog parks a welcome outlet for owners who want to get out with their pets.

For more information about Fido Fest, the pageant or vendor opportunities, contact Orange Beach Parks and Recreation or visit the city’s website at orangebeachal.gov.