The Pawsitively Elgin Dog Festival isn’t just an event—it’s a full-on tail-wagging celebration of the special bond between people and their pups! It’s the ulti-mutt day out, filled with fresh air, delicious eats, unique shopping, and—you guessed it—dogs. So. Many. Dogs.
Whether you’ve got a furry best friend of your own or just love being around adorable wagging tails, this is your chance to soak up the sunshine, enjoy a paw-some day in the park, and support a cause that’s all about giving back to our four-legged friends.
SINCE 2017…
The Pawsitively Elgin (PAWS) Dog Festival is powered entirely by volunteers—yep, all of us, including our paws-itively amazing 12 Committee members! Every year, we gather in the gorgeous Pinafore Park in St. Thomas to celebrate all things canine.
PAWS was created to shine a spotlight on the importance of dog adoption and animal rescues—the unsung heroes doing the hard (and sometimes heart-tugging) work of saving lives. It’s not always belly rubs and tail wags, but we believe in making a difference, one paw at a time.
Starting in 2025, all profits from the festival will be donated to Helping Paws Rescue, with a special gift going to the St. Thomas Animal Shelter—because giving back feels as good as a puppy cuddle.
We’re always chasing our tails to make each year’s festival even better than the last, so come join the fun! Bring your two-legged and four-legged friends for a day of sunshine, fresh air, tasty treats, unique shopping, and—best of all—dogs. So. Many. Dogs. Because nothing brings people together like wagging tails, happy trails, and a park full of furry joy.
