The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will host its annual Wildlife Festival between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, and Sunday, Sept. 24 – rain or shine – at the Niagara Power Vista, the visitors center for the Niagara Power Project in Lewiston. The event will feature wildlife shows, STEM activities, conservation exhibits, an astronomy exhibit, and exhibits highlighting Tuscarora culture. The free family festival is a collaboration between NYPA and the Niagara County Federation of Conservation Clubs (NCFCC).

Popular returning festival features include:

√ Jeff Musial and Nickel City Reptiles and Exotics

√ Hawk Creek Wildlife Center exhibits

√ Sky Hunters’ Birds of Prey exhibit

√ Police K-9 demonstrations by the Lewiston Police Department

√ Cultural dance performances by the Niagara River Iroquois Dancers

√ Carmen Presti and the Primate Sanctuary

Additionally, NCFCC will provide a fishing pond, archery stand and conservation activities.

The Tuscarora tent will return to this year’s festival to highlight Tuscarora culture, including food tastings, beading, painting and tutorials on crafting corn husk dolls.

The Wildlife Festival will also feature a rock-climbing wall – open between noon and 3 p.m. both days – in addition to other activities and attractions such as face painting, air brush tattoos, balloon art and chainsaw art.

A variety of conservation exhibitors will also be in attendance, including the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the New York State Parks Interpretive Center, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services.

The Niagara Power Vista offers an array of multimedia exhibits, including hands-on interactive technologies, large touch screens, and a virtual rollercoaster relating to the production of electricity, energy efficiency and the area’s history. The location also provides unique views from the observation deck 350 feet above the Niagara River Gorge. The Niagara Power Vista is a stop on the Discover Niagara Shuttle’s “Falls to the Fort” route.

The Power Vista is located at 5777 Lewiston Road in Lewiston. Parking is free and will be available in the Power Vista parking lot and adjacent lots at Niagara University.

For more information on the festival or to register for a Wildlife Festival contest, call 716-286-6652 or 866-NYPA-FUN, email [email protected] or visit www.nypa.gov/niagarapowervista.

See also >> Lewiston Harvest & Hops Festival this weekend