A trio of bighorn sheep make their way through Radium Hot Springs. File photo by Larry Halverson
By James Rose
Special to the Pioneer
Ever wondered what it is like to see bighorn sheep in full rutting action?
Over the November 6th and 7th weekend, the Village of Radium is hosting their second annual Headbanger Festival.
The Festival consists of hands on, interactive workshops providing attendees the most important information about bighorn sheep, urban wildlife issues and Parks Canada restoration areas.
Bighorn sheep have been a focal attraction in Radium Hot Springs for decades and their daily presence and beauty is something that the community of Radium is proud to celebrate. The festival will not only give you the opportunity to witness the bighorn sheep in their annual rut, attendees will also get a chance to learn about them from local wildlife enthusiasts.
Beginning on Saturday, the first of several presentations to take place throughout the day is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Radium Prestige Inns Banquet Room. Local sheep enthusiast Kent Kebe will be giving an interactive discussion concerning many different aspects of bighorn sheep. Following Mr. Kebes talk, Wildsafe B.C.s Andrea Smillie will give an interpretive presentation from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. going over wildlife issues in the community of Radium and the programs in place to help avoid human interaction issues.
New to this year is a kids camp for the younger ones taking place Saturday afternoon. The camps program will bring bighorn sheep to life through a variety of games, crafts, and hands-on learning. There will even be a visit from the Village Mascot Randy the Ram. The camp will run from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Ms. Smillie will be joining in on the activities part way through the afternoon.
From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., the last event for Saturday, Parks Canada will showcase restoration programs that they are using to create a naturally sustainable living area for bighorn sheep and other resident wildlife at the Parks Canada Restoration Area.
On Sunday at 10 a.m., festival attendees can look forward to an interpretive walk through the Sinclair Creek trail where bighorn sheep sightings are more than likely. Boasting beautiful landscapes and many different plants and wildlife, the Sinclair Creek trail wont disappoint.
The cost for attending any event individually is $15 for people 13 years of age and older and $12 for children between the ages of 5 and 12.
Paying the $15 and $12 admission fee for a single event will then grant full access to all festival activity over the whole weekend. Professional photography will also be offered but that will involve an extra fee.
For more information on event venues and registration, visit the Radium Hot Springs website at www.radiumhotsprings.com.
