The Wings Over the Rockies Nature Festival returns for 2021
Submitted by Ross MacDonald
Festival President
This has been a year of constant change. With restrictions on indoor gatherings, increased numbers of people are recreating outdoors in the Upper Columbia Valley seeking inspiration, renewal and reconnection with nature. The 2021 Wings Over the Rockies Nature Festival (running from May 10-16) will proceed as a COVID-19 aware festival that abides by B.C. Public Health Orders. Our theme, Inspired by Nature…, recognizes the vital role that the outdoors plays in our physical and mental well-being but also that humans have a responsibility to protect these special natural places.
Our festival planner and board of directors have developed online presentations and outdoor events that are active (i.e. no gatherings) and that follow well established COVID-19 prevention practices (social distancing, mask wearing where necessary, hand sanitizing).
Here is a teaser of some of the events you can look forward to: Outdoor guided interpretive walks and paddles stretching from Wasa to Parsons; Health and well-being activities; Online presentations (both live and pre-recorded); Drive-in Movie featuring “Penguin Summer” by Wings Keynote Alex Taylor and the award-winning film “Bird of Prey” see a preview at: http://birdofpreymovie.com; Online auction, open to bidders from across Canada – filled with adventurous experiences you will want to save for yourself!; Photography contest; Birdhouse building contest; Look for the What’s Happening in a future edition of the Pioneer.
Important dates
Thursday, April 1 – the Schedule of Events will be posted on the Wings Festival website: www.wingsovertherockies.org; Saturday, April 10 – Start of Photo contest; Monday, April 12 – Bird House Building Contest starts; Friday, April 16 – Event tickets go on sale; Friday, May 7 – Online Auction starts; Friday, May 7 – Bird House Building Contest ends; Monday, May 10 – Festival starts; Friday, May 14 – Online Auction ends; Friday, May 14 – Photo Contest ends; Sunday, May 16 – Festival ends.
Since 1997, Wings has celebrated the internationally recognized Columbia River wetlands and adjacent areas. Wings adheres to the ethics that nature comes first – the festival showcases wild areas here but also the research to protect and restore its ecosystems. Wings’ excursions tread softly and give wildlife space. We also believe that nature needs a hand – people protect what they love, but to become stewards, people must have an awareness and understanding of nature, a role the Wings festival provides.
The 2021 Covid-safe Wings Over the Rockies Nature Festival is supported by the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund and Community Foundations of Canada. Wings is grateful for the support of its local sponsors, businesses and volunteers. We couldn’t fly without you!
Watch our website www.wingsovertherockies.org for updates.
