From the Humane Society of Beaufort County

Pet owners and animal lovers might want to clear their schedule for March 29, when the inaugural PetFest2014 will take over the Washington waterfront. Brought to you by the volunteers of the Humane Society of Beaufort County, PetFest is a celebration of all things pet-related.

It starts with a group fundraising dog walk on the waterfront at 10 a.m. at Humane Society table in Festival Park.

Participants can register that morning or pre-register at Pamlico Animal Hospital, Chocowinity Veterinary Hospital, Little Shoppes or Ship on Site.

The $25 registration fee for the dog walk includes a T-shirt and goody bag. Participants are encouraged to raise as many pledges as possible, and there will be prizes for the top three money raisers.

Scheduled events at Festival Park will include a TopDog Academy obedience demonstration, a Frisbee-catching demonstration, American Humane Association’s 2013 American Hero Dog, Elle and a demonstration by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office drug-detecting K-9 Elza and “Sparky” the fire dog.

Ongoing activities will include wagon rides, inflatables, pet photography by Will

Preslar with Capturing Canines, hot dogs, Frosty Paws treats for dogs, educational booths with local vets and animal control, pet and people caricatures by Dottie Walker, vendors, facepainting, a photo booth, raffles and a cornhole tournament.

There will also be a paddle sponsored by Inner Banks Outfitters from noon to 2p.m.. Participants must register with Inner Banks Outfitters in advance, as space is limited. The registration fee is $35.

The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.