Okay - I decided to do a Wisconsin & area Lab Fest. I was thinking mid june 2005 but that is too close to the CO Lab Fest so - anyone have any ideas for dates.

I'll have to find a place - our yard unfortunately isn't large enough for a Lab Fest. There is a big dog park on the north side of Milwaukee that I'll have to check out.

So - any ideas anyone?

We would love to attend your Labfest! After all, turnabout is fair play. Keep us posted when you pick a date.

You betcha I will!!!!!

Keep me posted, too, Jacky! As long as it's not in the middle of July when we usually take our long vacation, we'll be there! :)

we're not too far ~ northwest of Chicago ~ so we may be able to come too, depending on the dates......

cool!!!! I'm thinking end of July or early August, that way the weather should cooperate and hopefully it won't clash with too many other things going on.

I am new to this board. I live outside of Lake Geneva so No. Milwaukee is close. What is a Lab Fest?

Scully and I would love to attend keep me posted

Originally posted by Shirley Stein
I am new to this board. I live outside of Lake Geneva so No. Milwaukee is close. What is a Lab Fest?

Scully and I would love to attend keep me posted

A Lab Fest is a gathering of folks here on the board and their labs. They are all different - check out some of the pics here in this section for examples of ones that us members have had this year. Hope to see you there!

Hey Jacky.... Don't know how I missed this one! As long as Labfest isn't during Sturgis.... we are there!

Ooooh! You got my attention!

I'll keep you all posted.

I'll be there as well, just have to keep Grandma waiting a little longer next year!;) :D

Has a general date been decided yet? I may be able to make it.:D

I only live about 3.5 hrs. SE of Chicago, so I know Milwaukee's not that much farther N. As a child, in 5th grade, I lived in a little Burg called Oostburg, just S. of Sheboygan, or was it N??? Been a while, I can't remember. Went through it a couple of years ago taking the long way home from the UP.

Jacky, tell me how I can help you, please.

I know it's probably way too early to ask this ~ but any thoughts on dates yet? Just wondering cuz I'll be on vacation mid-July.....

Hey Linda, I'm probably right on your way.....you could make a doggy pit stop here, let them stretch their legs a bit in the yard........

I'm in, too! Sammy and I would LOVE to go!!!! Milwaukee is an hour and a half drive south of me. :D

I do have a week of vacation that I'll be spending in Washington, DC in mid-July 2005.

Cool everyone. I haven't set a date yet - was just kind of seeing what everyone thought. It's a ways off yet. I'm still leaning towards the first weekend in August? I probably won't really think about till after Christmas - LOL!

Sounds like early August wouldn't be bad -- we're also usually on vacation the middle of July. :)

Sounds good to me.

sounds good for us, too ~ we'll be on vacation mid-July, as well as mid-August

I'd love to come. I'm in Geneva, IL, about 1-1/2 hours from Milwaukee. I've been looking for one in the Chicago area. We haven't set a date for our vacation yet, so early August sounds good so far!

I think we'll set the date for the first weekend in August.

We'll do a Saturday dog park thing and then a cook out at our house for those interested.

Calley's Family, Neonshrk, Miss Lisa - we have room for you WAY out of towners at our house, if you are interested. I'll get a list together of doggy friendly hotels & campgrounds for anyone else that may want to stay overnight.

I go up to Sturgeon Bay every year in September. I could probably swing that date to late August....

I'm not sure where I'll be next August, but maybe I can hitch a ride with J and J if they go? ^_~

You know.. I might be able to swing it- but more than likely with that amount of drive- it will be w/o the dogs- so I can fly.. unless I go to J&J's first- - and that way I have someone driving the same time as me, in case anything happens... :D

Originally posted by jackyscott
I think we'll set the date for the first weekend in August.

:cry2: Nooooooooo (sniff..sniff) not the first weekend in August (sniff..sniff). Jacky, you're a fellow biker. Why, why, why, why? Sorry, I'm getting a little whiney. So sad that we have to miss the first annual Wisconsin LabFest. (sniff..sniff) The only thing keeping us from Sturgis would be me getting pregnant. LOTS of prayers needed in that department!

Vegas and I will definetly be there!! Milwaukee isn't that far for us! Can't wait to meet all of you and match a face to a name!!

Woohooo.... DH said we can leave for Sturgis a few days later and still make it to Labfest!!!

Cool!!! I never thought to check to see when Sturgis was. I'll be working on all the details over Christmas break so I'll post more info then.
Glad to see all the interest!

We are looking forward to WI lab fest.

I have been reading the threads - What is Sturgis?

Sorry to be so naive, but I am relatively new to this board

Not sure when you are going to WI.
But this may be what you are asking about.
http://www.sturgis-rally.com/
Hope that helps.

Hi! Just want to subscribe to this thread. Maybe Moose and I can make it! Milwaukee isn't all that far from us even though we're in SW Wisconsin.

On that site you posted, if you click on Rally Pictures on the left of the page, then click on Biker Pet Pictures, you will find a picture of Harley and I in our matching biker outfits!

What a cute pic. All of the pets pics are great.

I'm so glad there is such interest in the first WI Lab Fest. We have off of work Dec 27 to the 31st so I will get all the details then and post them.

Great pic Becky!

Just found this thread today as I was pondering how to live through the winter with the dog park in Appleton closed for the season. Kooper loves running with the dogs at the park.

Maybe when this is planned, Kooper, his mom, and myself may take a road trip down, hang out, meet some of the people on this board, and stay with some relatives in the area.

Sounds like it would be a fun time.

Just found this thread today as I was pondering how to live through the winter with the dog park in Appleton closed for the season. Kooper loves running with the dogs at the park.

Maybe when this is planned, Kooper, his mom, and myself may take a road trip down, hang out, meet some of the people on this board, and stay with some relatives in the area.

Sounds like it would be a fun time.

Hope you can make it, it would be nice to meet you! We're looking forward to it very much! :)

Is there any set dates yet? I am still considering flying up there- even if it will be w/o the dogs.. I'd love to meet you all! :)

Ditto to Lisa...Are there any set dates? After looking at the other threads on labfests, I think Cosmo needs to go!

We're 99% sure it'll be the first weekend of August. Hopefully Jacky will see this and confirm. :)

Ok.. I am taking a day or two off around CO Lab Fest, which will probably be in June.. so I can probably afford to take another Friday off beginning of August, and make a long weekend out of it! What hotels are near where you guys are planning on having it?

You're NOT staying in a hotel -- I know Jacky offered for you, Calley's Family and/or Neonshrk to stay with her if you wanted. We're also willing to have a few at our house if need be. We also have a large yard for a couple of tents. :)

LOL! Oh!! Okay! You guys are too sweet! As soon, as I have a confirmed date.. I can check flights.. What airport should I look at flying in to?

Everyone pray that it won't be too hot, because if it is, dh will have to work (power co.), so I can come, too. :)

Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOL! Oh!! Okay! You guys are too sweet! As soon, as I have a confirmed date.. I can check flights.. What airport should I look at flying in to?

Milwaukee Mitchell International airport. Someone will come getcha! :D

Everyone pray that it won't be too hot, because if it is, dh will have to work (power co.), so I can come, too. :)

That would be soooooo nice, Linda! :)

Okay.. for that first weekend.. they are about $260 a person.. Not too bad.. I will keep an eye on it.. then when I can afford it and its decided for sure thats the date- I'll book it! :)

This will be fun. OK< I meant to say if dh has to work, I WON"T be able to come, but if he doesn't then we'll come. Jeez, getting old is hard!!! LOL

Yah! This is gonna be so fun! Jacky, let me know if you need any help.

Hey - cool - I hope you all can come. I promise - I will have a date by next week - so I was lazy and didn't do any planning for it over the holiday break.

Just FYI - here's a link to the dog park that I'm thinking of having it at.
http://www.pipdogpark.com/

Oksay - here's the date - Saturday August 6th - that's the first Sat in August. We can do the park thing late morn to ?? afternoon and then have a cookout at our house.

Lisa - you are NOT staying at a hotel!!!! I have a guest bedroom (single bed) and a queen size air mattress for anyone that wishes to stay with us.

Oksay - here's the date - Saturday August 6th - that's the first Sat in August. We can do the park thing late morn to ?? afternoon and then have a cookout at our house.

Everyone will bring something -- a dish to pass or some hot dogs or whatever, right? We'll have to do a sign-up list this coming summer. :)

Everyone will bring something -- a dish to pass or some hot dogs or whatever, right? We'll have to do a sign-up list this coming summer. :)

Yep - we'll get a sign up list going as it gets closer and we see who is all coming. And Scott doesn't know this yet but he'll do breakfast on Sunday for those that stay over....

And Scott doesn't know this yet but he'll do breakfast on Sunday for those that stay over....

:floor :floor :floor

Poor Scott!! :D

:floor :floor :floor

Poor Scott!! :D
LOL!!!! But he makes an AWESOME breakfast!!!! Eggs, REAL american fries OR hasbrowns, bacon, sausage. Okay - I take care of the toast and english muffins :D

Mmmm... sounds great!!!! Well.. now that we have the date, I will watch airline prices.. and when I can afford it (I just bought my tickets to Boston for May), then I will book em! It will just be Brenda and I (Of course)- We'd probably fly in Friday around noon and leave on Sunday early afternoon.. how far is the airport from you all?

...how far is the airport from you all?

It's only about a 10 minute drive for Jacky & Scott -- about 20 minutes for me. Not bad at all. One of us will come and get you two. Sure looking forward to meeting you in person! :D Even Randy started getting enthused after meeting Jacky & Scott & their pups. He follow my stories of everyone and even correctly guessed the names of your Variety Pack when your Christmas card came. :D

I'd like to come but I have a massive exam at the end of August. If I can make it and am not too anxious, I will be there.

I'm there!!!!! :D Of course, Sammy is, too!

It's only about a 10 minute drive for Jacky & Scott -- about 20 minutes for me. Not bad at all. One of us will come and get you two. Sure looking forward to meeting you in person! :D Even Randy started getting enthused after meeting Jacky & Scott & their pups. He follow my stories of everyone and even correctly guessed the names of your Variety Pack when your Christmas card came. :D

LOL!! Really?? How neat!!! I can't WAIT to meet you and Randy as well!!! :D

I sure hope I can come and meet everyone. Maybe I'll have dh put in for vacation that week. Then, I KNOW he won't have to work. Would anyone real close there, look up a couple of hotels that will allow 2 dogs, please? You can email me or PM with their names & numbers would really help...if I'm up that way, we'll just go on up and do our vacation in the UP or maybe just N. Wisconsin if you all tell us some good places.......Thanks.

I'll look into that on Monday or Tuesday, Linda! :) And, of course, I know lots of good places in N. WI, too. :)

I don't think this is too far from Chicago and Boo will be completely recovered from his surgery by then. For some reason he has an affinity for other labs, loves the ones in the neighborhood and gravitates to them at the dog park. Looks like lots of fun.

Oh neat! Maybe I'll bring 'the girls' :D

Can you tell me how far Milwakee is from Stevens Point? I went to school in SP and I know that is a four drive from me now

Milwaukee is about a 2-1/2 hour drive from S.P. Hope you can make it!

Sounds good to me. I'm off the first 2 weeks in July. GM shutdown.

Sorry... but I forgot.. what date are we thinking again?

If you guys have it closer to the MN/WI border I may be able to attend. We have a grad party in June and vacation in July, so I'll check back.

Sorry... but I forgot.. what date are we thinking again?

First weekend in August - Sat Aug 6

Oh okay, Whew!!! :)

Ok first weekend in Aug - where?????? email or leave a message in the board message box. Thanks.

If you guys have it closer to the MN/WI border I may be able to attend. We have a grad party in June and vacation in July, so I'll check back.
We're pretty set in the location since it's close to the airport, Jacky & Scott's house and not far from me if anyone needs/wants to "camp out."

Brenda and I will need somewhere to camp out! :D (Or Jason and I.. depending on which one comes with me!)

Aw, shucks -- I wanna go! It's gonna kill me to be so close and not be able to go. :(

You all better take LOTS of pictures -- but from what I've seen, everyone here is pretty good about that. ;)

Brenda and I will need somewhere to camp out! :D (Or Jason and I.. depending on which one comes with me!)
You're more than welcome to stay with us, Lisa. Although my daughter stole her bed when she moved out, :rolleyes: but we have a queen size mattress on the floor plus a single bed in another room. I can't offer to have anyone with dogs stay since Liesl can be a very dominant girl. I won't be bringing her to the Labfest, either. She's fine with people, though. :)

We have a spare room also that can either have a twin bed in it or a queen size air mattress.

Jacky -- I just counted everyone who showed some interest. A few indicated spouses and some did not. Altogether -- that's over 30 people! That would be a great turnout, but I'm afraid we'll need name tags because I have a hard time remembering my own name sometimes, LOL!

Jacky -- I just counted everyone who showed some interest. A few indicated spouses and some did not. Altogether -- that's over 30 people! That would be a great turnout, but I'm afraid we'll need name tags because I have a hard time remembering my own name sometimes, LOL!

LOL Barb!!! No problem on the nametags I can whip those up in a jiffy. Woohoo 30 some people - hope they can all make it.

Are there any State Parks(or other campgrounds) nearby. We camp several times a year but have never done so in the eastern part of the State.

Are there any State Parks(or other campgrounds) nearby. We camp several times a year but have never done so in the eastern part of the State.
I can recommend the one near Pike Lake, just outside of Slinger, Michael. We used to camp there frequently before we bought our trailer up north. That would only be about 1/2 hour from the dog park, I believe.

Jacky -- I just counted everyone who showed some interest. A few indicated spouses and some did not. Altogether -- that's over 30 people! That would be a great turnout, but I'm afraid we'll need name tags because I have a hard time remembering my own name sometimes, LOL!

WOW, 30 people!!
How many dogs????

Woohoo 30 some people - hope they can all make it.

I wouldn't MISS this for the world! Don't worry.....I'm bringing my digital camera which holds hundreds of pictures.

A little less than 5 months away!! Whoooo Hooo!!!!

I'll be bringing dh & 2 (Maybe 3, depends on if I am fostering) labbies.

Dare I go through the cheese curtain to join these festivities???? :eek: :eek: :eek:

wow.. how exciting.. the first week of August ??

I live in waukesha, where are you thinking of having it ?

Yes you should Greg! :)

Yep August 6th, Jenny!

Dare I go through the cheese curtain to join these festivities???? :eek: :eek: :eek:
LOL!!! We'll let ya in....

jabehling - it's at the dog park off of Good Hope Road and 45 - I can't recall the name of it at the time- there's a link to the webpage in this thread somewhere.

wow.. how exciting.. the first week of August ??

I live in waukesha, where are you thinking of having it ?
It's on the north side of Milwaukee just off HWY. 45 near Good Hope Road. Probably 20 -30 minutes from Waukesha, Jenny. I sure hope you can make it -- it would be good to see you again! :)

Dare I go through the cheese curtain to join these festivities???? :eek: :eek: :eek:
Well, that would be too cool to finally meet you!! How many of your dogs would you bring?? (The more the merrier!) :D

Ok, this is all new to me so hopefully I'm doing this correctly! We have a yellow lab named Libby who is almost one years old. I found this messageboard while looking up labrador meet-ups in and around the Madison area. I have read most of the posts here and the gathering in Milwaukee sounds like a lot of fun! My husband and I LOVE our lab and have thought about possibly getting another one. Does anyone have any imput on raising two adorable labs as compared to one? Anyway, this is really cool and I would love to get more involved!

~Lizz

P.S. How do you get pictures next to/in your post? My husband is the computer expert, not me! heh. If anyone is interested, we have a picture at www.ruttencutter.com/libby.jpg from when she was about 10 weeks old.

Hi Lizz and welcome! Hope you can make it to Wi Labfest.

If you'd like more input on raising two, your best bet is to start a thread in the "General Chat" area. Usually, only Wis/ILL area people read this thread. (With the exception of a few far travelers on the board!)

How do you get pictures next to/in your post? My husband is the computer expert, not me! heh. If anyone is interested, we have a picture at www.ruttencutter.com/libby.jpg from when she was about 10 weeks old.
What an adorable pup! And, welcome to the board!! For picture-posting tips, go towards the bottom of this board -- there's an area called "Forum Q&A and Suggestions." The first section there has detailed information about how to post pictures. There's also a testing area where you can try it out. Someone is bound to jump in and help you if you're having troubles down there. :) Hope to meet you in August at our Labfest!

Hello all! The labfest sounds like a blast! After I posted last night I looked around the site some more. I actually found the link on how to post pictures. I have soooooo many I need to go through them all and figure out which one/s I want to use! heh. My husband does computer stuff for a living so I will probably have him put them up for me. = )

I also found pictures of other labfests. They look like a WHOLE lot of fun! We will definately pencil in the Milwaukee labfest in August. It sounds like a blast and would be fun to meet some new people! Thanks for being so friendly and so helpful! This is a really cool site.

~Lizz

Here's a link to our latest threat with our latest news. Looks like we will be bringing TWO labbies to labfest this year instead of one! We are sooo excited! = )

http://www.lab-retriever.net/board/...6621#post406621

Well, that would be too cool to finally meet you!! How many of your dogs would you bring?? (The more the merrier!) :D

Likewise, Barb! :)

Probably bring just one unless the wife comes along.

I am 99% sure that we are going to be able to make the WI labfest :) I thought we had a wedding that day but found out tonight that it is the next Saturday :)

We are going to make a long weekend of it and go camping. Could any of you in the area recommend a good campground that allows dogs?

I am really excited that I am going to get to meet some of you!

I hope I'm not too late, but Riley and I would love to attend this one. It is not a definite yet, but it is absolutely a possibility. We will definitely be keeping up this thread and trying to work things out ASAP.

I've made myself a promise that I am going to attend at least one Lab Fest on both sides of the country. I'm hoping to make it out to the West coast sometime this year as well, so hopefully something will pop up in that area. Oooh, Miss Lisa?? ;)

Sounds great, Kristen! Hope you can make it!! :)

Good info. Barb, Made my reservation today at Kettle Moraine State Forest South - unit 1.

This should be a great campsite, plenty of things to do and a beautiful area. I rented a book called Wisconsin - Best in Tent Camping and this place made the list for one of the best places in S. WI. If you Tent camp he mentioned the Pine Woods campground. For spaciousness and privacy, sites 264 and higher are recommended. :cheers2:

Pine Woods is gorgeous, Mike. We stayed there many times and loved it!

Yeay!! I can't wait to meet you, Jen! :)

We are still most definately planning on attending. Still haven't booked the tickets.. guess I better get on that huh? I think it will be just Brenda and I, though. Or Jason and I. But no doggies. :(

Lisa, I will borrow you one of my guys for the day :)

I know I am new to this forum but I am in Milwaukee, WI and have a chocolate baby, Dakota, that is about 9 weeks old. Is it still the first weekend in August 2005? Can we get the specifics posted again? :) There are so many replies to this that I can't find the specifics. :quest:

Since I am around the block, if there is any way I can help, let me know. :cheers2:

~Shan

I hope you can make it. It will be August 6th. At the dog park off of Hwy 45 and Good Hope Road - not sure of the name of it but the web page for the park is www.pipdogpark.com I just found out that they are planning a brand new all fenced in off leash dog park by the airport (Howell & Rawson) that is supposed to be finished this summer. So if it gets done in time I will check it out and we will possibly have it there.

The plan is to meet at the dog park sometime in the late morning and then everyone is invited over to our house for a cookout. May need some help with food items - salads, etc but I won't have those details until it's a little closer and we know for sure how many people & dogs are coming.

- Jacky

Lisa, I will borrow you one of my guys for the day :)

Yeay!!!! That would be awesome!! :)

So what's the deal? I'll come with my kids if it's a go. Milwaukee is only 1 hour 1/2 away from me. Sounds like so much fun!!

The get-together is supposed to be on Saturday, August 6th. You're all welcome to join us! :)

That looks like an absolutely wonderful dog park! I'm definitely looking forward to this!

That looks like an absolutely wonderful dog park! I'm definitely looking forward to this!

Are we still using the dog park on the north side of Milwaukee or are we still going to check into the one they are supposed to be building on the south side (near the airport)? Either way we will be there! :cheers2:

Let me know the final details, what to bring........ the whole shebang!!

We are still using the dog park on the north side.
More details will be forthcoming in about a month or so.
Can't wait to meet everyone

Oh darn! My husbands birthday is that weekend and he already made plans to go camping with one of his childhood freinds. :( Without kids, wife and doggie. Does sound like fun maybe next WI one.


http://www.picvault.info/images/102184_000_3335.png

We (Ruby and I) might be there! Depending on a)weather...I won't come if it is too hot b)what time Ruby is in the ring in LaCrosse...and what time she gets to leave!

Woohoo!

Oh my goodness, Melissa!! That would be great.. well I am not sure if Jason and I, or Brenda and I are coming.. every time I go to book the tickets, something comes up.. but I do know I'll be there.. just not sure who's coming with! :)

Ok this is just a maybe but I may have to fly to Chicago for a long weekend this summer to sign some papers to finish out My folks estate - Milwaukee is not that far from Chicago - so would an extra person without a lab be a problem? :)

Ok this is just a maybe but I may have to fly to Chicago for a long weekend this summer to sign some papers to finish out My folks estate - Milwaukee is not that far from Chicago - so would an extra person without a lab be a problem? :)
Oh, yeah, right! :rolleyes: I suppose we could let a Texan come. ;) (Let me know if you need a bed.) :)

Thanks Barb!

That would be SO neat, Kathy!!!!

Ok this is just a maybe but I may have to fly to Chicago for a long weekend this summer to sign some papers to finish out My folks estate - Milwaukee is not that far from Chicago - so would an extra person without a lab be a problem? :)

YAY!!!!
You might get to borrow one of my boys if my DH can't go.

YAY!!!!
You might get to borrow one of my boys if my DH can't go.
Really Becky - I did not know you were going? Yay - I will let you know about this and LV in the next week! :)

YAY!!!!
You might get to borrow one of my boys if my DH can't go.
I didn't realize you were coming, Becky!! Are you driving from NC?

OOOHH BECKY, you too!? Now I'm even MORE excited!! :D

It might be Jason and I coming.. of course.. w/o the dogs.. but we'll still be fun! :)

I hope to be there!! It may be the only vacation I get this summer, but DH knows it's the one trip I don't want to miss. If he can't go for some reason, I have recruited my Mom to come with me. And yes, we will be driving.
That should be very interesting with 2 dogs that have never rode more than a couple of hours at a time.
If DH comes, we'll be camping. But if my Mom and I come, we will have to stay in pet-friendly hotels.
I CAN'T WAIT!!!!

I hope to be there!! It may be the only vacation I get this summer, but DH knows it's the one trip I don't want to miss. If he can't go for some reason, I have recruited my Mom to come with me. And yes, we will be driving.
That should be very interesting with 2 dogs that have never rode more than a couple of hours at a time.
If DH comes, we'll be camping. But if my Mom and I come, we will have to stay in pet-friendly hotels.
I CAN'T WAIT!!!!
Let me know and I can help you find places to stay -- either camping or hotels. :)

Wooohoooo!!!!!!!!!!!! This is going to be a good one :)

Thanks Barb!
I should know within the next month who will be coming with me and which accomodations I'll need info on.

Lisa, I agree! Wooohoooo!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well it appears I will be coming to ya'lls lab fest - Since I just booked a flight to Chicago that weekend - got one of those one time super fare saver internet offers -150.00 - How could I not - I will just hope all the estate things I need to do will be ready by that weekend. LOL I don't really care! More time to play! :cheers2:

Wow! How many people are we looking at now? I am so looking forward to the lab fest!

LOL Kathy!! This is going to be great.. I can't wait for us all to get to hang out together.. I want to borrow everyone's dogs!! :D

YAY Kathy!!!!
I can't wait to see you and Lisa again!
It will be great to meet so many people on the board.

This is going to be a BIG fest.... :D

How many people are we expecting now?? Dakota will be so confused - she wont know which lab/pup to play with first. :bounce:

too bad i could not come.. i would not have a way there.. and hubby is working 3rd this bites :(:(