A True Friend Leaves Paw Prints on Your Heart
The Story of PawFest and Barley Bo
When PawFest began in 2014 as part of Mt. Vernon's annual Fall Fest, I had no idea how much a simple Sunday afternoon with my children and our dogs would change our lives.
Back then, PawFest was a fun addition to the festival lineup. People filled the grounds proudly showing off their beloved pets—mostly dogs, but also cats, goats, and even a pig or two. Families laughed, pets played, and animal lovers gathered to celebrate the special bond we share with our furry companions.
What I didn't know was that PawFest would eventually introduce our family to a dog who would leave paw prints on our hearts forever.
Growing a Festival for Pet Lovers
In January 2016, I became Tourism Director for the City of Mt. Vernon and, by extension, director of Mt. Vernon Festivals, Inc. As we planned Fall Fest that year, it became clear that our community's pets deserved more than a small corner of the festival. We created a dedicated PawFest area complete with its own section, stage, and schedule.
The enthusiasm was incredible, but so were the logistical challenges. After that year, the Festivals Inc. Board decided PawFest had grown enough to become its own event. To maintain a full weekend of activities, Market Days was held on Saturday and PawFest on Sunday.
The move to Veterans Memorial Park provided more green space and indoor facilities for animals and vendors. It also brought an unexpected gift to my family.
The Day We Met Barley
Every year, one of the most important parts of PawFest has been the adoptable pets.
Originally partnering with Mama V's Pet Sanctuary and later adding Jefferson County Animal Control and other rescues and shelters, PawFest has always focused on helping animals find loving homes. Supply drives, demonstrations, contests, and educational opportunities all support that mission.
Then came 2017.
Among the adoptable animals that year was a puppy who would soon become part of our family.
Meeting Barley at PawFest in 2017
My kids instantly fell in love. Their dad was supposed to say no.
He didn't.
Barley Bo joined the Schrum family shortly after PawFest. He was supposed to be an outside dog, but somehow he never quite made it there full time. Instead, he became a constant companion, a source of comfort, laughter, and unconditional love.
Like so many rescue pets, Barley didn't just find a home—he became family.
Building Traditions
Over the years, PawFest continued to evolve.
The annual Blessing of the Pets became one of the event's most beloved traditions. First performed by Father John Iffert, the blessing was later continued by Reverend Jesse Hinds, Reverend Dr. Victor Long, and now Pastor Michael Piercy. Hundreds of pets have been blessed through the years—from dogs and cats to one memorable snake.
We've experimented with creative fundraisers, including school penny drives and even a "People Pound" that locked participants up until they raised $50 for animal welfare. While fundraising remains important, we've learned that what people value most is the event itself—the opportunity to gather, celebrate pets, support local shelters, and help animals find homes.
After a pause in 2020, PawFest returned in 2021 with the Rescue Pet Transformation Contest, an online competition featuring before-and-after photos of rescue animals. The contest highlighted the incredible changes that happen when animals are given what they need most: care, patience, and love.
In 2023, PawFest moved to Saturday with Market Days, and in 2025 both events moved downtown to 9th Street and The Commons, bringing even more visibility and excitement to the celebration.
Barley Becomes an Ambassador
As PawFest grew, Barley grew right along with it.
Barley wasn't just a pet. He was living proof of what PawFest has always been about. A rescue dog who found a family. A family whose lives were forever changed by saying "yes."
Saying Goodbye
In December, we lost Barley.
The house is quieter now. There are fewer muddy paw prints, fewer greetings at the door, and fewer moments when we instinctively look for him in his favorite spots.
But there are also countless memories.
The years of companionship. The family photos. The adventures. The comfort he gave during difficult days and the joy he brought during ordinary ones.
Barley's story reminds us why PawFest matters.
Every adoptable pet waiting for a family has the potential to change lives. They may arrive as a shelter dog, a rescue cat, or an animal in need of a second chance. But for the families who open their hearts and homes, they become so much more.
Join Us for the 12th Annual PawFest
12th Annual PawFest on Saturday, June 13, in downtown Mt. Vernon.
Visitors can enjoy vendors, entertainment, pet-friendly activities, adoptable animals, blessings, contests, prizes, and plenty of opportunities to create lasting memories. Participating businesses will offer treats for pets, and "Watering Holes" at The Commons will provide places for animals to cool off, drink, and relax.
Most importantly, PawFest continues its mission of helping animals find homes and celebrating the special bond between pets and people.
Because sometimes a Saturday afternoon at a community event changes everything.
Sometimes a puppy finds a family.
And sometimes a true friend leaves paw prints on your heart forever.
________________________________________
12th Annual PawFest Stage Schedule
10:00 A.M. - Make Your Own Nutritional Pet Treats with Nikki Timberlake
10:30 A.M. - Balloon Animal Demonstration with Becca Copple
11:00 A.M. - Top Dog Award Presentation & Volunteer Awards
11:30 A.M. - Pet First Aid with Mt. Vernon Fire Department
12:00 P.M. - How to Help Your Adoptable Pet Adjust – Q&A with Martin of JCAC
12:30 P.M. - Dog Training Demonstration from Jagger's
1:00 P.M. - Meet the Adoptables: Runway Show
1:30 P.M. - Blessing of the Pets with Pastor Michael Piercey
2:00 P.M. - Pet Contests and Award Presentations with Lisa Damron
Schedule subject to change.