Submitted by Wings Over the Rockies Nature Festival

Wings Over the Rockies returns for the 24th annual nature festival from May 10 to May 16 with Alex Taylor as the featured presenter. Alex is a mountaineer, polar guide, firefighter, human-wildlife conflict technician, photographer, and drone pilot. Although much of his work has been in the Canadian Rockies, his love of the Polar Regions’ incredible landscapes, wildlife, history and culture keep him returning to these remote regions. Alex presents The Wonder of a Penguin Summer, live online on Saturday, May 15. He also leads two walks entitled Think Like a Bear. 

Alex is just one of the experienced presenters who will lead and inform festival participants at more than 110 Wings activities. They will encourage everyone to be “Inspired by Nature”, the theme of the 2021 festival. Inspired by Nature recognizes the vital role that outdoors plays in our physical and mental well-being but also that humans have a responsibility to protect these special natural places. Ross MacDonald, Wings Board Chair, states “In a year that has been difficult for everyone, the opportunity to spend time outdoors, experience nature and learn more about it will lift our spirits. The 2021 version of Wings offers activities to rejuvenate and energize at a time when we need positive experiences.”

Brian Keating, a long-time Wings supporter and Calgary Zoo’s Honorary Conservation Advisor, is a special guest speaker, presenting “Great Big Adventures” live online on Thursday, May 13. Brian has been leading groups on nature-based travel for over three decades, exploring some of the best wildlife areas on the Planet. His knowledge and enthusiasm will inspire you.

The 2021 Wings over the Rockies Nature Festival will proceed as a Covid aware festival that abides by BC Public Health Orders. Please visit the Wings website (www.wingsovertherockies.org) for further information regarding the festival and its Covid Plan. 

This year Wings has lots of new events. Photographers, adults and those under age 16 may submit their best East Kootenay nature and wildlife photos in several categories to the Photo Contest. The winning photographer receives a weekend photo workshop with adventure photographer Pat Morrow. 

The Wings Over the Rockies Auction goes online! A variety of unique items and experiences donated by festival supporters will be available for you to view and bid on from noon May 7 until 6 p.m. May 14. “This year’s auction features several guided experiences, artwork inspired by nature, accommodation packages, and much more. The highlight of the online auction is a cruise on the Mighty Saint Lawrence,” explains Doug Andrus, Auction Chairperson. The online format allows bidders to visit the site anytime from anywhere. Visit the Wings website for rules and a link to the auction. 

For the first time, Wings presents a Drive-In Movie on Friday, May 14. Alex Taylor introduces the evening and his short video, Penguin Summer. The feature film, award-winning Bird of Prey, chronicles the challenge to find and film the rarest eagle on the planet. 

Wings Over the Rockies is grateful to our community for supporting the festival. The District of Invermere is hosting a Bird House Building Contest with prizes for a variety of categories. Builders of all ages are invited to create original homes for our local birds. Invermere Public library hosts events for children and families, including geocaching and microscope exploring. Columbia Valley Arts Council, Lake Windermere Ambassadors, and Columbia Lake Stewardship Society, and many Columbia Valley businesses contribute so much. Wings Over the Rockies is truly a community festival. 

To register and purchase your tickets at www.wingsovertherockies.org to hike, paddle, walk, watch an online presentation, or attend a drive-in movie. Descriptions of activities, degree of difficulty and details are all listed on the Wings Over the Rockies website.