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Wildlife Festival file photo
Wildlife Festival file photo

Wildlife Festival returns to Niagara Power Vista Sept. 24-25

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Mon, Sep 19th 2022 07:00 am

New York Power Authority’s annual event includes wildlife shows, STEM tent, family activities, interactive exhibits & free shuttle rides from Niagara Falls

 Wildlife shows, conservation and science activities, and a glimpse of Tuscarora culture top the program at the New York Power Authority’s Wildlife Festival Sept. 24-25. The free family festival, co-sponsored by the Niagara County Federation of Conservation Clubs (NCFCC), will run both days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine.

Popular returning shows include:

√ Jeff Musial and Nickel City Reptiles and Exotics

√ Hawk Creek Wildlife Center

√ Skyhunters Birds of Prey

√ AWARE rehabilitation center

√ Police K-9 demonstrations by the Lewiston Police Department

The festival offers popular NCFCC activities such as a fishing pond, archery and conservation activities.

This year will feature a sidewalk chalk art contest focused on wildlife, pollination and sustainability on the lower-level observation deck. Science prizes will be awarded in a variety of categories. Interested solo or team contestants can register by emailing [email protected] or calling 716-286-6661. Limited squares will be available.

Organizers said, “Enjoy a stellar experience at the mobile planetarium provided by the Lockport Challenger Center, which will offer views of the planets, their moons and dwarf planets. Visitors can watch stars appear and move realistically to simulate a real sky. Another astronomy exhibit will promote the 2024 solar eclipse, which is expected to have primary viewing sites in the Buffalo-Niagara Region.”

Carmen Presti and the Primate Sanctuary will return as an exhibitor with primate visitors. Science and sustainability activities will be in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) tent. Exhibitors include NYPA, WNY STEM, Penn Dixie Fossil Park and Nature Preserve, Circuit Stompers robotics club, the NJ Outdoor Club with insects and microscopes, and other hands-on activities with Niagara University.

The Tuscarora Tent will feature the Niagara River Iroquois Dancers, crafts and activities to highlight Tuscarora culture, including corn husk dolls, beading, weaving and food tastings. Other activities include face painting, a rock-climbing wall (noon to 3 p.m. both days) and chainsaw art.

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

Parents can ask for a lost child wrist band at the information tents or the reception desk inside the Power Vista.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy interactive exhibits inside the Power Vista 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 rollercoaster 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.

Enjoy free rides on the Discover Niagara Shuttle to area attractions, including the Lewiston Harvest Festival. For more information on the Discover Niagara Shuttle and its route, 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.

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