Now offering "Pet Friendly" RV Rentals

Due to many requests from campers looking to rent an RV, Strawberry Park will allow a limited number of our RV rentals to welcome dogs (not like the "Hotel for Dogs" movie--there needs to be people staying also). We will permit dogs in RV rentals 391-393 & 399-399B. For “Pet Friendly” rentals, a maximum of 2 dogs, each of which must be at least 1 year old and less than 100 pounds. Please be familiar with our “Pet Policy” that applies to all campers. The "no puppy" exclusion is based on the much greater likelihood of chewing and "unloading" that is often the case with pups, especially when in an unfamiliar environment. On a separate animal-related note, the Iguanas (a band) have been added to the Cajun/Zydeco Festival line-up (they were here back in 2007), which is now pretty much finalized. While there are no RV Shows on this weekend (traditionally due to the Super Bowl often involving a local team or two...unlike this year), next weekend is Foxboro, followed by Springfield MA & Suffern NY on President's Day Weekend. By the way, still waiting to hear from "The Boston Boys"...I hope my venture into "Myspace" was not for naught.

Contacting Bluegrass Bands

Granted, I am only moderately computer literate (much more than I am mechanically disinclined), but even though I have begun "blogging", I have resisted the whole "MySpace" and "Facebook" route. Just seems like too much of a commitment. However, I had difficulty contacting an up-and-coming band regarding a possible appearance at our Bluegrass Festival. No web site. No booking artist. No phone number. Just a "Myspace" page. OK, I figured I would just email them from there. Not so fast, partner. Can't do that unless you "join". Reluctantly, I entered the brotherhood, and was able to send a message to the band. Hope it works. Now don't start expecting me to join your circle or whatever...hoping the band will call me on the telephone (granted, that is so outdated) and I will never need to venture into the realm of people I don't know suddenly calling themselves my "friends", like this Anderson character. With that said, I do know that Jen is able to send out updates and baby photos very efficiently through her "facebook" page, so I guess it is not beyond comprehension that you may one day find us on a "Strawberry Park Campers" social web gathering. Just please don't try and text me. PS If anyone knows a member of "The Boston Boys", ask them to give me a call.

Snow Days threaten Sports Camps

It was just a few years ago that we used to run our Sports Camps a week earlier than we do now. As more and more schools opted for a pre-Labor Day return, the last day of school became later and later (but that debate is for another day), prompting the move of sports camp week to the last full week of June. This year's dates are Monday June 22 through Friday June 26 for soccer and basketball camps. We thought we were safe, but there already some school calendars (especially in NY, where school does not start until after Labor Day) running into that week, and with yet another snow day today, there are now many local schools inching closer to late June. If there are any additional snow days, it will become difficult for our coaches who will then still be in school--as well as limiting participation to those who are done with school by June 19. We will keep everyone posted, and should have a final answer once the "snow season" is over, which can't happen soon enough for most of us.

Firewood Restrictions Now Common at Campgrounds

For 2009, Strawberry Park is adopting a policy that has become quite common at campgrounds throughout the northeast, including state parks and private campgrounds, regarding firewood. While you may still purchase firewood locally after you have checked in, campers will be prohibited from checking in with transported firewood. If you are unaware of the current situation regarding the infestation of forests by invasive species, please read more at the following links. Over 30,000 hardwood trees have been destroyed by the Asian Longhorned beetle, and the problem is less than 50 miles from Strawberry Park. The USDA has strongly encouraged people to buy firewood where they camp, and studies have actually shown that travelling with a load of wood costs as much in additional gas needed as the cost of buying wood at your destination.

http://weblogs.nal.usda.gov/invasivespecies/archives/2008/07/dont_move_firew_1.shtml

http://www.ucsusa.org/publications/greentips/firewood.html

http://www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/fhm/pages/firewood_facts_campground_owners.html

http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090111/NEWS02/301119951

RV Show Seasonal Site Special

With the RV & Camping Show season upon us, Strawberry Park is offering the following special: Buy a new RV and book your seasonal site by March 15th and Strawberry Park will discount the seasonal rate by $100. Valid on any new seasonal site booking with purchase of a new (2008 or 2009) RV from any RV dealer. There are still approx 20 sites remaining on our list of seasonal sites for 2009. For more info on long term camping at Strawberry Park, see http://www.strawberrypark.net/long_term_camping.htm#seasonal, which also provides a link to a list of available seasonal sites. Speaking of seasonals, if you are a current seasonal camper who would like to be added to our email notification system, please email david@strawberrypark.net with your name and site number, and subject "Seasonal email list."

Bluegrass Festival adds more Folk performers

As noted, the Strawberry Park Bluegrass Festival on May 28-31 will be adding a Folk Music and Dance component on Saturday, May 30. Joining Red Molly, The Kennedys and Girl Howdy will be Tracy Grammer. Each of these artists performed at our previous fall folk festival, and we look forward to having them join us this year...additional performers may also be added. We look forward to having many of our past performers, as well as some new faces at each festival. Festival weekend prices at Strawberry Park have remained the same for the past few years, and are $100/adult for BG and $95/adult for Cajun/Zydeco, with teens 1/2 price and kids free. While many of the festivals in the Northeast have posted line-ups for 2009, it appears that some prominent events will not take place this year, including...The Boston Folk Festival, which used to be on the same September weekend as Strawberry Park's Folk event, The Thomas Point BG Festival in Maine on Labor Day, The Moodus Cajun/Zydeco Fest at Sunrise Resort in June--and even the Newport Folk Festival is a little "iffy". As well as our two big music events, many of our festival folks will also be attending Falcon Ridge (I hope our seasonals on site 64 are happy to see Red Molly on our line up this year), The Grey Fox BG Fest and the Roots Fest at Ninigret RI. With day tickets available, music festivals remain a great bargain. If you attend an indoor concert with one of these bands at a mid-size venue, you often have parking fees, ticket fees and often baby-sitter fees (unless you buy a ticket for the kids)...while festivals offer multiple performers, free parking, free entry for the kids...as well as use of facilities such as pools, playgrounds and more. We invite you to join us!

Strawberry Park Connecticut Campground Specials

Strawberry Park will be offering a few internet camping specials and discounts in 2009, and while these promotions are in the process of being added to the web site, here is a sneak preview...

Extend Your Spring/Fall Weekends--On any of our spring and fall special event weekends, you can add a night at 1/2 price for any campsite (making your rate just $15 for those additional nights). Discount Code SF15

4th Night 1/2 Price--This program has been in place for a couple of years, and since during the summer, every day is like a weekend, we offer a Sunday-Thursday night special during the summer (July 5-Aug 27) where on any 4 or 5 night mid-week stay, your 4th night is 1/2 price. Discount code 4NT

Howdy, Neighbor!--For our local campers in New London and Windham counties, we are offering the first week of daily events and activities (June 21-25) at our winter rate of $30/night for any campsite on that Sunday-Thursday night period. Our Sports Camps are also available that week. Discount Code LOCAL30

State Discounts are as follows:

Connecticut: Camp near home on our Summer Kick-Off Weekend (June 26-28) and add Thursday night (June 25) for free. Discount Code CT625

New York: NY Campers who join us for the End of Summer Olympiad Weekend (Aug 28-30) and stay for free on Sunday night, Aug 30. Discount code NY830

Massachusetts: Come Camping with us for Patriot's Day Weekend (April 17-20) and receive Sunday night (April 19) free. Discount Code MA419

Rhode Island: Camp with us on the weekend of August 7-9 and receive Sunday night August 9 for free (RI is the only state to celebrate Victory Day with a state holiday on Aug 9). Discount code RI809 (weekend reservations start on June 7).

Northern New England (VT/NH/ME): Camp with us in balmy Southern Connecticut on the weekend of April 24-26 and add either Thursday night (April 23) or Sunday night (April 26) for free. Discount Code NE423

For any of these promotions, you must indicate the promotional code at the time of making your camping reservation, either via phone at 888-794-7944 or on line at http://www.strawberrypark.net/reservation_requests.htm

Additional web specials may be added throughout the season, so keep checking!

Passing of Jen's Grandmother

Tuesday brought the unexpected passing of Brock & Reed's great-grandmother Connie Keyes. She was 85 years old, and lived just over the border in RI (Jen's Dad's Mom), and was happy to join us for a Strawberry Park Bingo. Although she had some health issues, she was in great spirits at the holidays...hosting the family on Christmas Eve, and looking forward to the arrival of her 2nd great-grandchild. Jen's father and her uncle are working on arrangements, but nothing is finalized at this time. My condolences to the entire family, including Jen, her brothers Phil and Matt, and their cousin David.

Welcome Barack

Must be quite crazy down in DC today with all the pomp surrounding Barack's inauguration. Just to clarify, as a few people were confused, our son's name is "Brock", but I am sure that as he gets older and into his school days, there will be a little confusion with "Barack". Reed Chapin had his 2 week check up today, and is about the same size that big bro was at 2 weeks. It was a busy weekend as David conducted a couple of wrestling tournaments at Griswold, the school at which he used to teach and coach. The unexpected Sunday evening snow did not help. Thanks to all those who have voted in the C/Z poll--not much time left to indicate a preference. Many other ideas have been tossed out there, but rather than have 20 different bands each receive a single vote, we hope that there is a consensus...which appears to lean toward the subdudes at this time. Also, just added Tracy Grammer to the Bluegrass Festival, and she will be part of the "Folk Music & Dance Tent" program on Saturday, along with Red Molly, The Kennedys, Girl Howdy and more.

Help us choose a C/Z Fest Band

With one slot remaining at our annual "Blast from the Bayou" Cajun/Zydeco Festival, we are conducting a survey to help us decide. With 5 predominantly zydeco bands, including Geno D, Brian J, Dennis S, RedLine & Li'l Anne, as well as 4 cajun bands (Steve R, Pine Leaf, Feufollet & Jesse L), we are looking for that one dance band that does not quite fit either descriptor, but belongs in the festival. Past performers have included The Iguanas, The derailers, Donna the Buffalo (unavailable for 2009), the Radiators and more. The performance will be on Sunday, June 7, and we have begun to gather information on a few possibilities, including those listed in the survey (Iguanas, Derailers, Bluerunners, Voodudes and Cypress Band). Can't promise that the survey winner will be chosen, but would like input. Thanks!

Now that's cold!

While you may think those are costumes from a Halloween Weekend "Blue Man Group", it is actually due to being frostbit from today's Arctic blast. Really shows the importance of a warm hat. Good thing the wood stoves are working in the cabin, because the oil truck failed to make it up our driveway yesterday and today...and I am guessing that sub-zero temps, a newborn, a toddler and no heat would be a surefire recipe for an unhappy Mom. Baby Reed is doing fine, and he attended his first wrestling match last night. No one in his weight class (8 pounds), so he just watched. As mentioned, looking to fill the final spot on the Cajun/Zydeco Festival Weekend. With 5 zydeco bands (Geno, Brian J, Redline, Dennis S and Li'l Anne) and 4 Cajun bands (Pine Leaf, Feufollet, Steve Riley and Jesse Lege), we are looking for one last band that does not quite fit either description...such as past performers like Donna the Buffalo, The Iguanas, The Radiators, The Derailers. A few new names are being considered, including the Subdudes and The Bluerunners. Feel free to indicate your preference in the poll. Also, a few more bands have been added for the "Folk" component of the Bluegrass Festival, including Red Molly, The Kennedys and Girl Howdy.

Brrr...but only 79 days until our next Bingo

Pretty much had enough snow and cold already, with sub-zero temps on the way. Good news for our fans of the Folk Festival that we hosted in 2006 & 2007...while we are not offering a separate Folk Fest in 2009, we are expanding the Folk offerings at our Bluegrass Festival May 28-31, including main stage performances by Jonathan Edwards and The Farewell Drifters, as well as a second "Folk Stage" on Saturday, with additional artists to be announced shortly. We hope to include many of the most popular acts from our earlier Folk Festivals, and will keep you posted. Still finalizing the last band for the Cajun/Zydeco Festival, as "Donna the Buffalo" is unable to bring the herd into Preston on June 7.

Strawberry Park Early Reservation Reminder

Just a quick note about a change to Strawberry Park's summer reservation policy. As always, reservations for spring or fall weekends, as well as summer vacation weeks, may be made starting January 2. For shorter stays during July & August, we will be taking reservations based on the number of nights you wish to camp. A summer weekend can still be reserved 2 months prior to your desired arrival date (as in the past), but for those who are looking for a 4 or 5 night mini-vacation, you may call to reserve 4 or 5 months in advance. Simply put, however many nights you are seeking to camp in the summer is the number of months in advance that you may call to reserve. Therefore, if you are looking to reserve the July 4th Weekend (July 2-5), you can call on April 2 (3 months early, booking 3 nights). However, if you are reserving 4 nights (such as coming in on July 1, or staying until July 6), you can reserve a month sooner...and if you are looking for the 5 nights of July 2-7, you can reserve on Feb 2. Remember, in the summer, every day is a weekend at Strawberry Park...with over 30 activities each and every day, inlcuding Bingo, softball, wagon rides and more (see sample summer activity schedule http://www.strawberrypark.net/docs/summer_06_activity_sample.pdf )

Sleep deprivation causing nightmares & aging

Must be due to a lack of sleep, but have had nightmares about the family growing too large...which causes me to age prematurely.

Hartford RV & Camping Show

Hope those who ventured out in this past weekend's weather enjoyed the RV Show in Hartford. I am sure the snow kept a few people away on Saturday PM and early Sunday. The next RV Show that we will be attending is in Foxboro, MA on February 6-8, followed by a pair of shows on President's Day Weekend (Springfield, MA at the Big E and Suffern, NY). With the sun shining nicely today, I am afraid that I may need to pack away the shorts and break out the long pants later this week, as the forecast is for some single-digit temps, and maybe even sub-zero overnight lows. For all of our snowbirds currently reading this blog, I am jealous.

More snow coming? Vote "No"

Still chipping away at Wednesday's icy leftovers, and it looks like more snow is on the way for Saturday. At this point, I am not in favor. However, unlike in the summer where we can invoke the Strawberry Park Anti-Rain Doming Device, it does not work in the winter. If we get hit hard, the office may close a little early, and our booth at the Hartford RV and Camping Show may be unattended for part of the day, as we would rather not have our staff struggle with a dangerous drive. Following the recent storm, cable and internet were down briefly, but Comcast did a very nice job in restoring service on the same day it went out. Dave & Jen appreciate all the well-wishes that have come our way regarding Reed Chapin, who has his first official doctor's appointment today (after a restless night). Still adjusting to the chain reaction of baby/toddler/dog/puppy middle-of-the-night awakenings.

Electricity is back on, but still icy here

We were fortunate to have the electricity at Strawberry Park restored on Wednesday afternoon, but the roadways and sidewalks are still a little icy. Apparently, the nasty weather has impacted cable TV in some parts of the campground, and Comcast has been called. Glenn and Jim are off to Hartford to set up for the RV Show this weekend at the Convention Center. If you are going, say hi to Emily, Janet or Allison.

Power outage & finally a middle name

Today's ice storm has caused a power outage at Strawberry Park, with electrical lines down at both ends of Pierce Road. With thousands of CL&P customers currently in the dark, there is no exact timeframe for restoration of service, which also impacts internet. Better news is that we made it home from the hospital and up our icy driveway. Reed Chapin Nowakowski is the final official name for the little guy. Hope y'all like it.

Heading Home with Reed

After a couple of nights at the hospital, it is time for baby Reed to head home and join big brother Brock and the dogs, who have been tormenting Grr-Annie. As we traveled to the hospital in ice, it is only fitting that we head home in similar conditions (and hope the journey up our driveway is better than Monday's slide down). Reed enjoyed his visitors on Tuesday, including Grr-Annie, Brock, Uncle Matt, Grampa Bob, Uncle Phil & Aunt Bronagh, Buck and great-uncle David. After this post, it will be back to more traditional Strawberry Park updates (things are going well at the office, thanks to Mary and Elaine and Britney and Bob), so if you want baby updates, you'll need to visit Jen's Facebook page, including that elusive middle name, which is still being pondered (we have another 45 minutes).

Welcome baby Reed Nowakowski

At approximately 6:58PM on January 5, baby boy Reed Nowakowski was born to happy parents Jen & Dave, and big brother Brock. He weighed in at 7 pounds 2 ounces, and measured 20.5 inches. Both he and mom are doing very well...much better than when the day started by sliding down the icy driveway and into a tree this morning (no injuries, air bags or damage to the front of Jen's car). We are still deciding on Reed's middle name, but resolve to have an answer by Tuesday.

Come Monday...

The doctors have asked us to be at Backus Hospital at 7am tomorrow for Jen's induced labor, so it will be an early morning at the Nowakowski household. We will do our best to inform everyone of the specifics as soon as they become available. Brock has no real idea about becoming a big brother, but I am sure he will be just as excited with this gift as he was with his Christmas presents.

Thank you for calling Strawberry Park....

Today is the first day for 2009 camping reservations to be made, and the phones have been busy all morning (sorry if you had trouble getting through between 8am and 1pm). Thanks to all our campers who are so passionate about their site request reservations. As always, the bluegrass festival folks are the first ones to show up, and some of the earliest callers, with many of the Cajun/Zydeco dancers calling to reserve the Park Models, Cabins and RV rentals. The office will be open until 5pm today, and we resume Sat/Sun hours this weekend (8:30-4:30). Hope to see some campers at the various RV Shows throughout the region, starting with Hartford next weekend. I doubt that Jen & I will be doing that show, as the new baby is expected on Monday, January 5--will try to post a photo shortly thereafter.

Happy New Year!

A Happy New Year wish to all of our campers at Strawberry Park. Over 120 friends gathered last night for the annual New Year's Eve Party in Preston. While the mid-day snowfall did cause a few cancels, the vast majority of those who signed up were able to attend. It was a bitterly cold night outside, and a bit chilly in the Rec Center. Following Bingo, everyone enjoyed a Pot Luck Dinner and dancing to DJ Johnny the Music Man. Many prizes were raffled off, including DVD players and an I-Pod, and the kids all enjoyed the balloon drop with some scattered cash hidden in some of the balloons. This all preceded the countdown to 2009, which made us all greatful we were not standing out in the cold in NYC. We are especially thankful to all who helped with the post-party cleaning, and this included some broom veterans like Jorge & Joanne, as well as a few rookies who earned their stripes (Mo), and kids like Taylor looking for holiday pay for their efforts. Once again, Happy New Year. The Strawberry Park office will be closed today, and will re-open on January 2. Phone reservations will be taken starting at 8am, while those die-hards who show up in person will be invited in at 7:30am. If you are calling to reserve, please expect the phones to be quite active until mid-afternoon. Since the new baby did not arrive last night, we expect to remain on schedule for Jen's January 5 delivery...so my apologies in advance if there are no new posts until I can access a computer with the joyous news.