The Fredericksburg-Rappahannock Chapter of the Isaak Walton League (IWL) have been the keepers of this treasured event for the past 60+ years.  Their venue in Spotsylvania has proven too small and, so, the IWL has joined forces with the Lionhearts, Inc. non profit animal welfare organization to create a much larger and completely entertaining event for young and old. Proceeds from the event will go to area animal welfare and to help the Izaak Walton League further their environmental efforts. 

It is hard to believe but, 311 years ago, Fredericksburg area colonists agreed to meet the local Native American Indians for a State of Virginia sanctioned trading day.  It has been reported that the items most highly sought after by the Native Americans for trade were the hunting dogs of the colonists.  They so prized the hunting dogs that they gave gold, furs and well crafted handmade items for them.  The event has evolved greatly since those days but the spirit of the trading day is still celebrated as the local Native American tribes show up in numbers to commemorate a cherished event.  Today, they bring a living history exhibit that is fascinating to see.  Stories from long ago will be told, arrowheads will be made before your eyes, you will be able to see an authentic long house and the tanning of hides, cooking of a meal, basket weaving and much more.

Alongside this interesting, educational display will be dog breed judging, dog skill demonstrations by the local K-9 police, retrievers, herding dogs and even a frisbee dog performing their amazing acrobatic. 

All these events take place in the main show arena but there are many sites to be seen out and around the Fairgrounds to include a very important display by area animal rescue groups of dogs and cats in need of adoption.  In this group will be many hero’s in animal rescue, including Pam McAlwee who’s Lost Dog Rescue adopts out over 2,000 dogs and cats per year.  An entire building will be dedicated for the purpose of displaying so many animals that have been rescued.  You will be amazed by the variety of animals you will see and it will touch your heart.  It is a sad truth that over 120,000 dogs and cats are euthanized in Virginia each year - that’s one every 4 minutes.  We aim to turn this around.  Our initial efforts are to greatly increase the availability of economical spay/neuter for pets in the area.  The Virginia Kincheloe Spay/Neuter Clinic does over 4,000 per year now and remains back up by over 2 months.

In addition to all of the Indians and animals, you will be treated to a wide variety of entertaining and educational displays at this years Fredericksburg Dog Mart.  We believe that you and your family will have a day well spent.