New York Power Authority event includes Boy Scout 'Camporee,' STEM tent, family activities, interactive exhibits & free rides from Niagara Falls to Lewiston on Discover Niagara Shuttle
Wildlife shows, conservation and science activities, and a glimpse of Tuscarora culture are just a few highlights of the New York Power Authority's 33rd annual Wildlife Festival, set for the weekend of Sept. 22-23 at the Niagara Power Vista visitor center and surrounding grounds in Lewiston.
The family festival, co-sponsored by the Niagara County Federation of Conservation Clubs, will run both days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine.
New this year will be a two-night "Camporee" with the Greater Niagara Frontier Council Polaris District at the Niagara Power Project near the festival site. Up to 400 Scouts will participate in this annual scouting event.
In addition, the festival will have a STEM tent - a collaboration between WNY STEM and the New York Power Authority. The tent will include robotics demonstrations, hands-on activities and educational information on sustainability and renewable energy.
A Tuscarora tent will feature the Niagara River Iroquois Dancers. Crafts and activities to highlight Tuscarora culture include cornhusk dolls, beading, weaving and lacrosse.
Popular festival shows include:
- Jeff Musial and Nickel City Reptiles and Exotics
- Carmen Presti and the Primate Sanctuary
- Hawk Creek Wildlife Center
- Skyhunters Birds of Prey
- AWARE rehabilitation center
- Buffalo Zoomobile
- Police K-9 demonstrations
- Mike Randall & Friends
Activities include the shooting trailer, fishing pond, crossbow (age-appropriate), archery, crafts, safety identifications, face painting, rock-climbing wall, chainsaw art and fishing demonstrations.
A variety of conservation exhibitors will also be on hand, including New York State Department of Environmental Conservation divisions, New York State Parks Interpretive Center, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, and clubs to include sportsmen, trappers, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
The Power Vista also offers innovative exhibits designed for inquisitive minds of all ages:
- Understand electricity through the eyes of pioneers Nikolai Tesla and Thomas Edison as well as modern-day scientists.
- Take a virtual roller coaster ride in the "Power Up!" 4-D simulator.
- See what it takes to operate a power plant. A simulated challenge provides the chance to operate a plant and control the state's transmission network.
- Watch a hair-raising experience during scheduled demonstrations of the Van de Graaff generator.
Visitors can enjoy free rides on the Discover Niagara Shuttle to the Lewiston Harvest Festival, Gorge Discovery Center and other area attractions. For more information on the Discover Niagara Shuttle and its route, visit
www.discoverniagarashuttle.com.
The Power Vista is located at 5777 Lewiston Road. Parking is free and will be available in the Power Vista parking lot and adjacent lots at Niagara University.
