‘Bark Bash’ to replace WAG Fest at Columbus area’s Prairie Oaks Metro Park

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HILLIARD, Ohio (WCMH) – Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks announced it will host its first “Bark Bash” event, featuring canine vendors and paddle boarding, after the cancellation of WAG Fest.

Metro Parks will now host its own dog-themed event, called “Bark Bash,” on the same day and at the same location as WAG Fest. Bark Bash will take place on August 24 in the Darby Bend Lakes area of ​​Prairie Oaks Metro Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We were sad to learn that WAG Fest was canceled and knew the dogs and residents of Franklin County would miss out on the fun,” said Tim Moloney, Metro Parks Executive Director. “By offering an alternative event, we can build on the success of our previous events while taking a new approach that more closely aligns with our mission of providing memorable experiences for our community and their canine companions.”

WAG Fest, an annual event in central Ohio that is one of the largest dog festivals in the country, announced July 8 that this year’s event was canceled due to “unforeseen circumstances.”

“Organizers explored several different options to allow the festival to proceed,” organizers wrote in a statement. “Options were exhausted and it became impossible to hold the premier event that central Ohioans have come to expect under the current circumstances. This was not an easy decision to make and organizers sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.”

The new event will feature dog and food vendors, rescue organizations and humane societies. Metro Parks Outdoor Adventure will host stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking tours for participants and their dogs. Owners will also be able to customize a tie-dye bandana for their dog. The park has trails for walking, a lake for dogs to swim in and an “ice castle” for cooling off.

Admission to the Bark Bash is free. All dogs must be leashed, except in designated off-leash areas, Metro Parks said. Attendees are encouraged to bring water and waste bags. Potential vendors can email [email protected] to participate.

WAG Fest organizers haven’t said when the next event will take place, but a Metro Parks spokesperson told NBC4 they plan to hold an annual dog-focused event — whether it remains Bark Bash or returns to WAG Fest remains unclear.