Wildlife Festival at Niagara Project Visitors Center Returns with New Attractions, September 22 and 23

Contact:
Connie M. Cullen
914-390-8196
connie.cullen@nypa.gov

August 28, 2007

For Immediate Release 

LEWISTON—Hawks, reptiles, canines and primates - oh my!  The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will host its 22nd annual Wildlife Festival on Saturday, September 22 and Sunday, September 23, from 10 am to 5 pm.  The free family event will take place at the Niagara Power Project’s visitors center, the Power Vista, and its surrounding grounds at 5777 Lewiston Road in Lewiston.  More than 60 exhibitors will be at this year’s festival providing both educational and interactive presentations.

This year’s activities are in cooperation with the Niagara County Federation of Conservation Clubs (NCFCC) as the Wildlife Festival coincides with National Hunting and Fishing Day.

“The Niagara Wildlife Festival is one of about 3,000 hunting and fishing-related events being held nationwide this year to commemorate the 36th Annual National Hunting and Fishing Day,” said Roger B. Kelley, president and chief executive officer, NYPA. “It’s an opportunity to learn more about hunting, fishing and the work of those involved with conserving natural resources.”

“Throughout the weekend of September 22 and 23, an estimated four million Americans will participate in various conservation programs throughout the nation highlighting the message that spending time outdoors creates memorable experiences with friends and family,” said John Butcher, president, NCFCC. “With NYPA’s support, the federation’s sportsmen and women can communicate the value of hunting, fishing and conservation to the thousands of visitors this two-day festival attracts.”

New presentations for this year’s festival include:

• Fort Hyde Kennel’s “Doggie Island,” which includes a presentation on choosing and training your dog, safety tips and a special program on retrievers for the hunter.

• Mike Randall & Friends—a fun family puppet and ventriloquism show featuring the only “Baby Bigfoot” in captivity.

Back by popular demand will be naturalist Paul Schnell from the Institute for Environmental Learning, who has participated in the festival since it began in 1985.  He’ll bring along “Liberty the Bald Eagle” and other raptors such as a screech owl, peregrine, falcon and red tail hawk.

Other returning exhibitors and attractions include:

• Jeff Musial from “Nickel City Reptiles and Exotics” with presentations about the world of reptiles and other mammals.

• The Primate Sanctuary’s Carmen Presti will teach visitors about new and old world primates along with a little “monkey business.”

• Buffalo State College Professor Don Birdd, also known as “Dr. ‘B’ Suited for Science,” who will swoop down as a little brown bat with stories about this larger-than-life mammal’s habits.  

• Hawk Creek Wildlife Center, Buffalo Zoomobile and Aquarium of Niagara.

• An air-rifle range and fishing pond, courtesy of the NCFCC and the Niagara River Anglers Association, respectively.

• Interpretive nature programs by the New York State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, on various hiking adventures. 

• North Forest Rod and Gun Club’s clay target team will highlight the skills that won the group 1st, 3rd and 4th place in this past June’s New York State competition.

The Niagara Police Athletic League, Lew-Port Sports Boosters, Cub Scout Pack 101 and Lewiston Boy Scout Troop 855 will be selling a variety of foods including Troop 855’s homemade chowder.

NYPA is the Headline Sponsor for the New York Power Authority/Greater Niagara Fish Odyssey, an event in its 31st year, which takes place from September 15—23 in the waters of Erie, Niagara and Orleans counties.  Registration is free for kids 15 and under and $20 for adults.  All will have a chance to win a day of fishing with Buffalo Sabres alum Rob Ray. At 2 pm on Sunday, Ray and special guest Sabretooth will draw the lucky winner. Fish Odyssey winners will also be announced on Sunday.  To register, visit www.fishodyssey.net or call (716) 282-8992, ext. 303 or pick up the form at the Power Vista. 

The Wildlife Festival is held rain or shine.  Admission and parking are free.  For more information call (716) 286-6661 or 1-866-NYPA-FUN or visit www.nypa.gov for a complete schedule of activities.

 About NYPA:

■    NYPA uses no tax money or state credit.  It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity.  ■    NYPA is a leader in promoting energy-efficiency, new energy technologies and electric transportation initiatives.  ■    It is the nation’s largest state-owned electric utility, with 18 generating facilities in various parts of the state and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines.

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