Wildlife Festival comes back to grounds of New York Power Authority's Niagara Power Vista

Event to take place outdoors and include wildlife shows, STEM tent, family activities, interactive exhibits & free rides from Niagara Falls to Lewiston on Discover Niagara Shuttle

After a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wildlife Festival returns to the surrounding grounds of the New York Power Authority’s Niagara Power Vista Visitors Center in Lewiston on Sept. 25 and 26. Co-sponsored by the Niagara County Federation of Conservation Clubs (NCFCC), this year’s festival marks the 35th season for the popular event with its signature wildlife shows, conservation and science activities, as well as exhibits and displays of Tuscarora culture.

The free family festival will run outdoors only both days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. Masks are required, outdoors and inside tents, regardless of vaccination status, except those under age 2.

The festival features the popular NCFCC activities, including a fishing pond, archery and crossbow (age-specific).

Popular festival shows returning 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

√ K-9 demonstrations by the Lewiston Police Department

Science and sustainability activities will be in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM Fun!) tent.

Exhibitors include NYPA, WNY STEM, Penn Dixie Fossil Park and Nature Preserve, Circuit Stompers Robotics Club, and creepy and crawly insects plus other hands-on activities with Niagara University.

The Tuscarora Life Tent returns, featuring the Niagara River Iroquois Dancers, crafts and activities to highlight Tuscarora culture. Included will be corn husk dolls, beading, weaving, and food tastings.

Other activities include face-painting, a rock-climbing wall and chainsaw art.

A variety of conservation exhibitors include the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation divisions, New York State Parks Interpretive Center, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. Clubs will include sportsmen’s, trappers, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

Parents can complete a lost child wristband to assist with child safety efforts during the festival. Just ask for the band at the information tents.

The Power Vista is closed temporarily in accordance with New York state COVID-19 guidelines.

Enjoy free rides on the Discover Niagara Shuttle to area attractions. Masks are required. For more information or for routes, visit www.discoverniagarashuttle.com.

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.