National Doodle Romp 2016 in Walla Walla?

[Adina P]

I've wanted to do this for a loooong time.  I think perhaps next year might finally be the time to try it out. 

My town, Walla Walla, Washington is way on the other side of the country from many of you.  But it's a quaint town with culture and a bazillion excellent wineries. 

So I was thinking...it might be fun to host the first annual Doodle Kisses National Doodle Romp here.  Super convenient for me, but would any of you travel for it?  After next year we can move it around to different locations.

How many of you would drive over with your doodle(s)?

How many of you would fly over doodle-less?

How many of you are thinking "No way, crazy lady!"?

If enough people are interested...I can get started planning.  I would most likely aim for May when the local wineries host their Spring Release or June when they do some other thing or another.  BUT that means it would be crowded and hotels booked long in advance.

We have the option of a dog park in College Place (the neighboring town) and there is a nice park next to it.  So we could meet at that park and then those that want to let their dogs off leash could meander over there.  The park has benches so we conceivably have a picnic or get catering. 

What sounds best to others?  Would you prefer a more out of the way park without an official dog park?  A hike/walk?  Take over downtown and visit wineries? 

2/19: UPDATE:  I was going with the tentative date of June 9/10 with the option to stay the whole weekend for those who want to, but no official plans for the weekend.  That seems to conflict with one member who REALLY wants to make it.  So now I'm looking at June 23/24.  The previous week is Spring Release weekend for local wineries and while that doesn't actually conflict with us, it might be really crowded.  Please argue with me over this if you need to.  I don't mind. 

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

I hope this works out Adina.  If I can help in any way, please let me know.  I am only 45 minutes away!

[Adina P]

Assuming all other options are not possible, which of the following would be preferable to you?

1) Thursday and Friday (this lets you go home over the weekend or stay longer and make it a long weekend).

2) Sunday and Monday (this means you could also come earlier and make it a long weekend).

[Helga, Nimbus, Sierra, Clooney]

The days don't really matter to us as we're going to travel longer anyway. However we'd really prefer a June date. And the sooner we know the sooner we can make reservations along the way.

[Adina P]

I would prefer a June date too.  So I will aim for that.  I've kind of put it on hold since I announced it since so many people said it was too soon to decide. 

[Sharon Day]

I work every other weekend at the hospital with no way of getting off so if we are doing June we love if you picked the second (11/12th) or fourth (25/26th) weekend.

[Sharon Day]

1...its easier to have a long weekend if you tire out your doodle at the romp first.

[Toni Janus]

I would prefer Thur/Friday. Also in the City Dog Magazine for Summer 2015, it lists wineries and places to stay.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

We are retired so specific days don't matter.  We just need enough time to plan the trip so that we have camping spots along the way.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Either is good for me, I'm retired and our days are free!  

[Malenie Piscetelli]

Too far for me and my doodle

[Leslie Bruce and Icky]

June works great for me...and being retired the days will work either way.

Thanks Adina for all of your hard work in organizing what should be a great adventure

[Adina P]

One of the facilities that MIGHT less us hold a get together on their premises asked us if we can do any kind of DEMONSTRATION with the dogs.  They normally only allow service dogs there, but might make an exception.  They are mostly only concerned with feces and bites.  However, in the past they have allowed sheep dogs to perform a demonstration of herding so...we may be allowed in too.  But what shall we "demonstrate"?  My first thought was grooming...but...all the dog hair mess.  It is a historical park and museum.  Lots of grassy outdoor areas to walk around in, tours, etc.  Off the premises and nearby is a covered area for a picnic and a little farther walk away is our local dog park.