Submitted by Wings Over the Rockies Nature Festival
The common COVID-19 phrase “with an abundance of caution” regretfully now applies to the Wings Over the Rockies Nature Festival 2021. Following B.C. Public Health orders to avoid unnecessary travel, the Wings Board of Directors made the difficult decision to cancel all outdoor activities, including the Drive-In Movie.
The good news is that virtual presentations continue to be available. Brian Keating, Calgary Zoo’s Honorary Conservation Advisor and enthusiastic world nature traveler, presents a Celebration of Wild Places on Thursday. May 13. On Saturday, May 15, Alex Taylor, Canadian Rockies expert and lover of the Earth’s polar regions, shares stories and images of Antarctica in The Wonder of a Penguin Summer. Both presentations begin at 7 p.m. and are family friendly.
Another virtual option is Wings On Demand Package. One ticket gives viewers access anytime, May 10 to May 30, to nine presentations by experts on nature and wildlife. Topics like The Amazing Sky or Conserving Canada’s Birds or Bison, Bugs and Birds will engage and educate viewers. Or watch Worms Under the Rockies as Dale Wilker explains the importance of healthy soil to our food system. Learn some of Pat Morrow’s photo secrets in The Heart and Soul of Adventure Photography. Spend an hour with Rodrigo Solis learning about Monarch Butterflies. Appreciate the beauty of Mount Assiniboine as Chic Scott tells its story.
Take time to explore and bid on the Online Auction offerings. This is an opportunity to acquire amazing adventures, extravagant art, learning opportunities and so much more. Many items are unique to the Wings, not available anywhere else. Bidding opens Friday, May 7 at noon, closes at 6 p.m. on May 14. Look for enticing items such as a Cruise on the Mighty Saint Lawrence, photographic artwork Tumbling Glacier, summer or winter wetlands adventures, or maybe, a vacation in a yurt. There are golf, ski and accommodation offer, stunning local art pieces, something for everyone — funds raised by the auction support future Wings festivals.
Wings Photo Contest is open to both adult and junior photographers. Young camera bugs (under 16) may submit any photo that is “Inspired by Nature”. Adults may submit their best work in four categories – Wildlife and Birds, Landscape and Fauna, Sensitive Recreation, and Stewardship. There are prizes in all categories. The Grand Prize is a weekend photo workshop for two with adventure photographer Pat Morrow. The contest is now open for photos shot in the past year within the East Kootenays and photos taken during the Festival week may be submitted until May 14.
Registration to the Birdhouse Competition is now closed. The new homes for our birds will be on display around the community. Photographs of the entries may be viewed at Invermere BC Events Facebook page May 10-16 under the event “Birdhouse Competition.” The public can vote on their favourites in this event page. Winners will be announced on Monday, May 17.
There is so much nature to enjoy in the Columbia Valley and beyond. Be sure to check all the opportunities at www.wingsovertherockies.org. Find a virtual way to be Inspired by Nature with Wings Over the Rockies.
