Welcome to the 2027 ISDRA Conference

On behalf of the Pennsylvania Sled Dog Club (PSDC), welcome to the 2027 ISDRA Conference in Elysburg, Pennsylvania! We are excited to host sled dog enthusiasts, racers, recreational mushers, family and friends from across the continent for a weekend of education, fellowship, great food, and fun. 

This year's conference combines informative speakers, vendors, a silent auction, social gatherings, and family-friendly activities. From a full day at the famous Knoebels Amusement Resort to our presentations and banquet at beautiful Ponduce Farms, we've designed the weekend to provide opportunities to learn, relax, explore, and enjoy each other’s company.

The Elysburg area is located in the heart of Pennsylvania's scenic Susquehanna Valley, where rolling farmland, wooded mountains, covered bridges, and Amish communities create a landscape that many visitors find both beautiful and memorable. If you're arriving early or staying beyond the conference weekend, you'll find no shortage of local things to explore. If this is your first visit to Amish country, please also review the road-sharing information provided in this packet to understand local passing etiquette and help keep everyone safe.

For attendees traveling with dogs, please take a few moments to review the venue-specific dog policies included in this packet. We are fortunate to have dog-friendly venues available during the weekend, and everyone's cooperation will help ensure a positive experience for both people and dogs.

Most importantly, we hope you enjoy reconnecting with old friends, making new ones, exchanging ideas, and celebrating the sled dog community that brings us all together. We look forward to seeing you in June 2027!


Warmest Regards, 

Angela Coco, on Behalf of the Pennsylvania Sled Dog Club

 Host of the 2027 ISDRA Conference 🐾

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

*Please note, this is a live document that is subject to change*

THUR June 10

6pm Dinner @ Olde Stone Tavern & Inn, a brewery in Danville (20-ish minute drive), or elsewhere? (responsible for your own bill)

FRI June 11

Knoebels all day

Registration packet pickup, ride ticket pickup 

Note: ride ticket books don’t expire and can be used anytime, any year. They are not valid at the pool or golf course.

Pavillion “G” rented for the entire day.

Time TBA, tentative 11:30am-1pm Lunch? Potluck (select items will be prepared by PSDC), attendees invited to bring an additional item. Plan on a sign-up sheet to avoid repeats. 

ISDRA Board meeting will be in town at Profile Coffee Co. 830am? until 3pm.

Dog-themed art class @ Pavillion G, time TBA 4pm?

SAT June 12

Speakers, lunch, and Banquet at Ponduce Farm

Vendors, Silent Auction

SUN June 13

Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine Tour ~12pm (https://www.pioneertunnel.com/) 

*group rate discount if enough people sign up

Coming early, leaving later? Additional things to explore:

About Knoebels Amusement Resort

Celebrating 100 years in 2026, Knoebels Amusement Resort is America's largest free-admission amusement park and one of Pennsylvania's most beloved family destinations. It has been family-owned and operated since 1926 and offers a unique blend of classic charm, award-winning rides, great food, and beautiful wooded scenery.

Unlike most amusement parks, Knoebels does not charge an admission or parking fee. Guests can purchase ride tickets individually or use all-day ride passes, allowing everyone to enjoy the park at their own pace. The park features more than 60 rides and attractions, including the world-renowned Phoenix wooden roller coaster, Flying Turns (a wooden bobsled coaster), family rides, kiddie rides, water attractions, games, a pool, mini golf, full golf, and traditional amusement park favorites.

Knoebels is also famous for its food, consistently earning national recognition for everything from pierogies and potato cakes to fresh-baked desserts and classic amusement park treats (their fudge shop is amazing). The park's picnic pavilions, shaded walkways, and relaxed atmosphere make it a favorite gathering place for families and groups. One of the things attendees often enjoy most about Knoebels is its nostalgic feel. The park preserves many historic rides and attractions while continuing to add new experiences, creating a unique combination of old-fashioned amusement and modern fun. 

Whether you're a thrill-seeker, a food enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing day with friends, Knoebels offers something for everyone and is a true Pennsylvania treasure. We are excited to include it as a centerpiece of our conference weekend.  https://knoebels.com/ 

About Ponduce Farms

Ponduce Farms is a multi-generational, family-owned farm, market, and event venue located in the rolling countryside of Elysburg (Numidia), Pennsylvania. Surrounded by scenic farmland and wooded hills, Ponduce offers guests an authentic taste of central Pennsylvania's countryside. The property features event facilities, a market and deli, and a farm-to-table atmosphere that reflects the region's agricultural heritage.

For conference attendees, Ponduce Farms provides a relaxed and welcoming setting to enjoy presentations, meals, and social activities while experiencing the beauty and character of the Susquehanna Valley. Its convenient location, just minutes from Knoebels Amusement Resort, makes it an ideal gathering place for our weekend events. https://www.ponducefarms.com/

Lodging Information

There are numerous lodging options within a 30-minute drive of Elysburg, including hotels, campgrounds, vacation rentals, and bed-and-breakfasts.

Please note the Knoebels Campground, as well as many nearby campgrounds, vacation rentals, and bed-and-breakfasts in the immediate area around Knoebels Amusement Resort, tend to book very quickly, especially during the summer season. The Knoebels Campground accepts reservations up to one year in advance, so interested attendees are encouraged to begin planning and booking as early as possible.

Additional lodging options can be found in nearby communities such as Danville, Bloomsburg, and Sunbury, all of which offer a variety of accommodations within a 30-minute drive of conference activities.

The information shared below is believed to be correct (dog friendly locations), but attendees traveling with dogs should contact lodging providers directly to verify current pet policies, applicable fees, breed or size restrictions, and any other requirements before making a reservation. Pet-friendly policies can vary and may change without notice. 

Knoebels Campground

https://knoebels.com/stay/knoebels-campground/

J&D Campground 

https://jdcampground.com/ 

Weiser State Forest https://www.reserveamerica.com/explore/weiser-state-forest/PA/880253/campsites 

Charming City Suites on Historic East Sunbury Street (select options)

https://shamokinbedandbreakfast.hospitable.rentals/

Hampton Inn Danville 

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/dnvpahx-hampton-danville/?SEO_id=GMB-AMER-HX-DNVPAHX 

Best Western Danville Inn https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.39106.html?iata=00171880&ssob=BLBWI0004G&cid=BLBWI0004G:google:gmb:39106 

SpringBrook Campground

https://springbrookcampground.com/index.html 

Indian Head Campground  

https://indianheadcampgroundllc.com/ 

DOG POLICIES

It is your responsibility to use good judgment and comply with the policies of each venue. Dogs are brought at your own risk. Please only bring well-socialized dogs that can comfortably handle the highly stimulating environment of our weekend.

Any dog that persistently barks, behaves disruptively, or interferes with the experience of our group or other visitors may result in the owner being required to leave the event immediately. No refunds will be issued.

Knoebels

Knoebels Amusement Park
Pets are welcome in outdoor, public walking areas of the park when leashed, under control, and cleaned up after. Pets may not be left unattended anywhere on park property. Pets are not permitted in any buildings or under any covered dining areas. Any unsafe care or conditions for pets may result in removal from the property. Dogs are permitted on the Carousel, the Antique Cars, and the train.

Campgrounds (Park Campground & Lake Glory Campground)
Pets are welcome in both campgrounds with the following conditions: Pets must remain on a leash, under control, and with owners assuming full sanitary responsibility. Pets may not be left unattended at any time, including in RVs, tents, crates, kennels, or tied outside any unit or campsite. Pets are not permitted in any buildings, including the campground store, restrooms, showers, pavilions, cabins, or any Knoebels Lodging units. Unsafe or inhumane conditions for pets, including exposure to extreme weather, will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the property without refund.

Cottages - Pets are not permitted in any Cottage.

Latorre House Bed & Breakfast - Pets are not permitted at the Latorre House.

Crystal Pool - No pets are allowed in the Crystal Pool area. Service dogs are welcome in the pool area, but not in the pool.

Ponduce Farms

Dogs are welcome in outdoor areas only and must remain leashed at all times. Dog-friendly outdoor seating is available adjacent to the reserved indoor event space. Please do not bring dogs inside any buildings. A large field is located behind the reservation area and may be used to give dogs an opportunity to run. Trailers, RVs, and other oversized vehicles may also park in areas behind the venue in the field and next to the pavilion. All attendees are responsible for cleaning up after their animals. Please help us keep the venue clean and enjoyable for everyone by promptly disposing of pet waste. Failure to clean up after your dog may result in loss of dog privileges at the event.

Sharing the Road in Amish Country

Many roads around Elysburg, PA and the surrounding areas are regularly used by Amish horse-drawn buggies, farm equipment, cyclists, and pedestrians. Most Amish traffic occurs on Sundays going to and from their church services. If you're not familiar with driving in Amish country, please keep the following in mind:

Slow down and be patient. 

Pass only when it is safe and legal to do so. 

Avoid excessive noise around the horses. 

Use caution with motorcycles and loud vehicles. 

Never tailgate a buggy.

Horse & Buggy

Horse-drawn buggies typically travel 5-10 mph and may be encountered around curves, hills, or after dark. Wait for a clear view of oncoming traffic and provide plenty of space when passing. Refrain from honking unless absolutely necessary, as loud noises can startle horses. Reduce speed and engine noise when approaching and passing horses. Follow at a safe distance and allow extra stopping room.

Pedestrians & Cyclists

Many Amish individuals travel by foot, bicycle, or push scooter along rural roads that may have little or no shoulder. Reduce your speed and give as much space as possible when passing. Be especially alert at dawn, dusk, and after dark, when visibility may be limited.

Photography

Many Amish individuals prefer not to be photographed for religious and cultural reasons.