Nationals are the best to attend because they last the entire week with at least two shows per day...plus the benefit of being around some extremely talented people. I haven't been to the last three fests, but they invited me to perform this year, so that's how I can afford to go...gonna be a long drive from Alabama, though.
Just a note for other puppet builders, these festivals usually include workshops involving foam rubber puppet construction. Drew Allison, co-author of "The Foam Book" is leading one this year. So, for future reference, POA fests are great for picking up building techniques.
David