We want you to join us in celebrating our country's 250th Birthday and our 29th Waddle Weekend!!

For those of you attending for the first time, it will be an experience you've never had before.  The GABR Park will be covered with with tents and Basset Hounds off leash!  It's their party too!! 

There will be activities for adults and kids, games and races for the bassets, $1 raffles, Golf Cart Raffle, basset items for purchase, entertainment and good food! Let's not forget the famous WADDLE on Sunday with our King and Queen leading the parade!!

This is our second big fundraiser of the year and all proceeds go toward caring for the bassets.  The Waddle Weekend is a fun way to raise funds to continue the work of saving and rehoming our favorite breed!  Have fun and be generous!

Waddle Committee

Emmy Little, Chairman
Chris Pawlak, Cheri Russell, Jane Kerr, Kim Gorham and Heather & Jon Evers

REGISTRATION

1. $25 Registration fee per family!

To Pre-register please fill out our registration form which includes the $25 fee per family. Then swing by the registration tent before entering the GABR Park to check in and you will receive a Stars and Stripes tote, a schedule of events, a map of the Park, free $1 raffle tickets and a water bottle ticket. Adults will get wristbands valid for BOTH days of our celebration! You won't be admitted without your wristband. Pre-registration closes on Sept. 17th.

You can also register the day you arrive.

You’ll gain access to an array of exciting activities including FREE entertainment, games, face painting, a thrilling costume contest, and the chance to win fabulous prizes!

Our patriotic theme this year will celebrate those who established and fought to keep us and our bassets free!

Mark your calendar, gather your friends and family, and get ready for an unforgettable weekend at the GABR Basset Waddle!

MEMORIAL

We will again this year set up a Rainbow Bridge Board in our Memorial Garden, a space designed to honor and celebrate the beautiful souls we’ve cherished and lost.

For everyone who has faced the heart-wrenching goodbye to a beloved companion since our last Waddle, we invite you to bring a cherished photo of your pet, along with their name, your name, and any special memories or words you would like to share. You can pin your tribute to our board, creating a tapestry of love and remembrance that binds us all together.

When you sign our Memorial book with your dog's name, your name and address, you will be mailed a certificate honoring your pet’s unique spirit—a small token to hold in your heart. We hope this experience brings you comfort and solace, allowing you to connect with others who understand the pain of loss and the joy of memories.

Let’s come together to share our love and support, creating a community of compassion as we celebrate the lives of our cherished friends who now run free across the Rainbow Bridge.

THE GREAT AMERICAN BASSET RACE

Get ready for a tail-wagging, action-packed day at the Illinois Waddle Weekend as GABR proudly presents the much-anticipated Great American Basset Races! This exciting event is not just a race; it’s a celebration of our beloved basset hounds, where their adorable wobble transforms into thrilling speed.

With registration absolutely free, all you need to bring is your full-blooded basset—mix breeds need not apply! So, rally your fellow basset lovers and get ready to cheer on these charming contenders. The race will kick off with all six heats starting at 1:00 pm.

Be sure to capture the jubilant moments—the winners of each heat will shine on stage as photographers snap thrilling shots to immortalize their triumph. The buzz of excitement will fill the air, and you won’t want to miss a second!

Check-in begins bright and early at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 20th, at the Games tent by the stage. To ensure your basset is all set to race, arrive at least 15 minutes early to grab that crown jewel: the racing jacket!

And let’s not forget the grand finale—the ultimate showdown at 2:30 PM. Who will seize the coveted trophy and take home the title of the fastest basset in attendance? Mark your calendars, gather your cheering squad, and prepare for an unforgettable day filled with laughter, camaraderie, and some of the most lovable racers you’ll ever meet!

What a great way to help us raise money for the Bassets of Guardian Angel.

Please note: Due to state regulations, tickets may not be sold to Indiana residents.