Goldie Fest was born from a shared love of golden retrievers and a belief that bringing people together around joy, community, and connection can create something truly special.

Patrick Marini, founder of Camp Goldie, created an immersive experience centered around the magic of goldens — and saw firsthand how powerful it is when people gather around these incredible dogs. At the same time, Patty Schaad, founder of Patty’s Pawsitive Services and leader of the NJ Monthly Golden Gatherings Group, was building a vibrant golden retriever community of her own, bringing local goldens and their humans together month after month.

Together, they shared the same vision: create something bigger. A celebration that brings goldens and people together on a grander scale. Goldie Fest isn’t just an event. it’s a high-energy, family-friendly festival designed to unite the golden retriever community, support local vendors and partners, and create unforgettable memories for everyone involved.