'Peanuts' collectors flock back to Schulzville

Charlie Brown and that dog of his aren’t mere comics characters to the folks converging this weekend at the Doubletree Hotel in Rohnert Park. They’re family.

More than 120 members of the Peanuts Collectors Club are here from many states and Canada - and a few from Japan - for Beaglefest.

It’s a swap and celebration of the globally adored art of the late Charles Schulz. Of course the gathering happens in Sonoma County, where Sparky Schulz, a native of Minnesota, drew “Peanuts” for 41 years and greeted visitors to his ice arena near Coddingtown.

Based at the Doubletree Hilton Hotel Sonoma Wine Country, the collectors will venture to Santa Rosa and the Schulz skating rink, gift shop and museum.

The 13th Beaglefest is mostly a members-only affair, but collectors of Snoopy figures and such may want to know about the one public event: A sellers’ market from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday in the Doubletree’s Chardonnay Room.

A special feature will be the Beaglefest Boutique, proceeds from which are shared with Santa Rosa-based Canine Companions for Independence.