After careful consideration, the WMDF Board of Directors has decided it is in everyone's best interest to proactively cancel the in-person WMDachtoberFest 2020 scheduled for October 3, 2020 in Frederick, MD. This is not a decision WMDF takes lightly. There are two overriding concerns that caused the Board to reach this decision -

First, the health and safety of the long-dog community is of utmost importance. Our primary concern is always the responsibility we feel towards our attendees and their pets, exhibitors and partners. At this time, we do not believe we can adequately and effectively meet the social distancing guidelines promulgated by the State of Maryland.

Second, is the uncertainty caused by the State of Maryland’s Reopening Plan whereby large events like DachtoberFest have been deemed high risk, and reserved for the final phase of the Plan. The Plan states that there is currently no realistic timeline from any of the scientific experts for achieving this final phase, as it requires either a widely available and FDA-approved vaccine or safe and effective therapeutics. This uncertainty creates a high probability that factors beyond our control could force WMDF to cancel the Fest at the last minute, leaving WMDF with significant financial hardship and no other options for the Fest.

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We are currently exploring options to present WMDachtoberFest 2020 as a live, online digital event which would be held on the same day, Saturday, October 3, 2020. We envision the WMDachtoberFest 2020 Virtual Fest Event to feature live streaming demonstrations and speakers, video presentations, an online auction, costume contest photo contest, Woofminster Dog Show video contest, virtual blessing of the animals, Live Ask the Vet forum, and a unique virtual vendor fair experience.

We will be providing more information about WMDachtoberFest 2020 Virtual Fest to our loyal Fest Fans in the near future as have new information!

We send our heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery – both health and non-health related – to our family and friends, pet-related businesses and partners, who have been affected at this time.

We hope to see you during our virtual fest in October and again next year on October 2, 2021 at the 2021 WMDachtoberFest in Frederick, Maryland! Thank you for your continued support of Washington Metro DachtoberFest Foundation!

If you have any questions or concerns about our announcement, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Warm Regards,

Board of Directors

Washington Metro DachtoberFest Foundation﻿﻿

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