News : Dog-A-Fair returns to Vinton for second year June 18.

The second Dog-A-Fair sponsored by Virginia Gay Hospital will take place at the Benton County Fairgrounds next Saturday, June 18.

Admission is free for both people and dogs; garage sale will raise funds for a canopy for the Friends of the Shelter to use for outdoor events.

"This is pretty exciting," said Regina Malaska, of the VGH Imaging Services Department. "Hopefully this will become an annual thing."

Several shelters and rescue groups from eastern Iowa will be participating; Malaska said the event will give the organizations a chance to show off their adoptable dogs.

The event is designed to also share ideas with the public about pet ownership and pet care. Information will be available from pet grooming services, along with pet photography and low-cost microchipping providers. There will be information about dog training, dog treats and even a dog wash station.

Malaska makes bracelets for pet lovers, and will be selling those for $2 each. Pet owners can even purchase the letters to make a personalized that includes the name of their pet.

Food vendors for the event will include Casey's doughnuts, Jolly's pizza and Peppy's ice cream.

Malaska said the event is also a chance for dog owners to meet each other and share their ideas while showing off their dogs. This year, there is no fee for bringing dogs, a change from last year's event.

The garage sale begins at 8 a.m., with the dog fair starting at 10. Last year's event raised more than $1,600 for the Friends of the Shelter, Inc. (FOTSI). Malaska thanked the members of the Frank family for the many hours they have spent organizing the garage sale and picking up items. T-Shirts will also be available for sale at the event.

See the event flyer, which includes guidelines for those bringing dogs, HERE.