Janice and Karl Hobart prepare Pookie for the dog fashion show at the Del Ray Dog Fest April 12 at George Washington Middle School in Del Ray.
The Del Ray neighborhood was filled with wagging tails, live music and community camaraderie as the 4th Annual Del Ray Dog Fest returned to the George Washington Middle School parking lot April 12 for an afternoon-long celebration of dogs and the people who love them.
Hosted by the Del Ray Business Association, the outdoor festival welcomed residents, visitors and their four‑legged companions to enjoy a wide range of dog‑centered activities, food vendors and live entertainment.
“What a gorgeous day,” said announcer Joey Schaljo, the PA announcer for the Washington Mystics WNBA team and a Del Ray resident. “This is proof that mother nature herself is a fan of dogs.”
Sponsored by the Del Ray Business Association, the event featured 52 small businesses, eight animal rescue organizations and 27 sponsors from the area.
A packed schedule was designed to appeal to dogs of all sizes and energy levels. Highlights included a luring course, an off‑leash puppy playground, a dog fashion show and the ever‑popular distracted dog race, where pups tested their focus amid playful temptations.
New this year was a “Sit Happens” competition, which was a musical chairs type game for dogs.
For owners seeking something a little different, the festival also offered “Pups n’ Poses” yoga, allowing participants to stretch alongside their canine companions, and a “Smooch Your Pooch” kissing booth sponsored by the Alexandria Police Foundation.
“Lisa Shaw and Marshall Construction donated the kissing booth,” said APF board chair Charlotte Hall. “And it’s one good-looking kissing booth.”
For the second year, Kathryn Martiniez entered her four-legged companion LouLou Lemon in the Dog fashion show.
“We waited all year for this event,” said Martinez, who handmade LouLou Lemon’s costume.
Live music added to the festive atmosphere, with Rook Richards performing throughout the afternoon as families explored vendor booths, Rescue Row and the family‑friendly activity zones. Food and drink options, including dog‑friendly menu items, rounded out the experience, making the festival a full afternoon outing for all ages.
Beyond the fun, Del Ray Dog Fest also served a meaningful purpose. Proceeds from this year’s event benefited the Alexandria Police Foundation’s Caring for K9s Program, which supports essential healthcare for retired police K-9s that previously served the Alexandria community. Organizers highlighted the program as a way for attendees to give back while enjoying one of Del Ray’s most anticipated springtime traditions.
To ensure a safe and welcoming environment, the festival maintained clear guidelines, including standard six‑foot leashes, vaccination requirements, and limits on the number of dogs handled per adult, measures designed to keep both pets and people comfortable throughout the day.
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