The Countdown to LauraPalooza 2015 has begun. Before we pack our bags and head to South Dakota for a weekend of education, celebration and fun, some of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Legacy & Research Association board members are taking a look back—or forward—at some of the good times you can expect.

LauraPalooza 2010:  Legacies.

On Friday, July 16, 2010 my “to do” list read:

1.  Remember to pick up gifts for kids.

2. Ask Jim Hicks about the Brewster School.

3.  Get your picture with William Anderson, John Miller and anybody else famous…that anybody else turned out to be author and illustrator, Cheryl Harness!

LauraPalooza 2012:  What Would Laura Do?

On Thursday, July 12, 2012 at 10:45 am, I was sandwiched between presenters Barb Boustead, forecast meteorologist, and physics teacher, Jim Hicks.  I looked for the nearest exit, but since I was seated in front, I couldn’t easily beat a hasty retreat.  Taking an anxious breath, I shared the story of frontier physician, Dr. George Tann.  Later that day, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet both Barb and Jim!  That day was perhaps one of the most exciting of my life!

One of the things I’ve loved the most about LauraPalooza is that as a LIWLRA member, I was given the opportunity to be involved in both conferences.  From simply attending in 2010 to presenting in 2012 – and now serving as a LIWLRA board member – it’s an honor to be a part of LauraPalooza.

See you in Brookings !

Susan Thurlow is a board member of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Legacy and Research Association. To learn more about LauraPalooza 2015 click here. We’ll see you in Brookings!