September 17, 2012 at 9:34 AM

In celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day, the New York Power Authority (NYPA) will hold its 27^th Annual Wildlife Festival at the Niagara Power Vista from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, Sept. 22 and Sunday, Sept. 23. 

“The New York Power Authority Wildlife Festival began 27 years ago as a way to demonstrate NYPA’s support for environmental conservation and animal and wildlife awareness, while offering a free, family-fun activity,” said Teresa Martinez, director of community relations at the Power Vista.

Co-sponsored by the Niagara County Federation of Conservation Clubs (NCFCC), the festival promotes wildlife conservation through hands-on experiences and educational activities for all ages.

“The festival offers the novice to the pro an opportunity to experience hunting, fishing and interactions with local and rare animals. Little ones can experience nature from the safety of their strollers while teens can try their hand at using a powerful cross bow,” Martinez said.

Main attractions include shows by The Primate Sanctuary with Carmen Presti; Nickel City Reptiles and Exotics with Jeff Musial; Hawk Creek Wildlife Center; Skyhunters; the Buffalo Zoomobile; the Niagara River Iroquois Dancers; the Niagara County Sheriffs’ K-9 unit; entertainer Mike Randall; and Paul Schnell with Liberty the Bald Eagle, who has been part of the show for all 27 years.

Other activities include a fishing pond run by the Niagara River Anglers Association, crossbow and archery ranges, and presentations by wildlife naturalists featuring live birds of prey, primates, reptiles, and exotic animals.

Children up to age 15 can participate in The Kids Fishing Contest, one of the favorite events at the festival.  Participants can drop their lines at any of Niagara County’s fishing waters or at NYPA’s Fishing Pier and Reservoir at the Niagara Power Project. Scales will be open from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the Niagara Tourism and Convention Corporation tent and awards will be given at 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Inside the Power Vista, the visitor center for the Niagara Project, festival goers can access over 50 interactive exhibits to learn more about renewable energy, energy efficiency, electrical safety and environmental conservation.

Various non-profit organizations will offer food at family-friendly prices and the Niagara Scenic Trolley will also provide FREE rides throughout the festival between the Power Vista and the Gorge Discovery Center making parking and shuttling to the festival convenient for families.

For more information call 716-286-6661 or 866-NYPA FUN, or visit www.nypa.gov/vc/niagara.htm.

 

 

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