Winter survival techniques, snow sculpturing and more at Hibernation Festival
(Canastota, NY – Feb. 2014) Winter is the perfect time to play outdoors and cure your Nature Deficit Disorder. Put down the electronics, grab a pair of mittens and join your family and friends at the Winter Hibernation Festival, 8375 N. Main St. in Canastota.
If the weather permits there will be snow sculpture building and snow painting, free cross-country skiing, snow shoes for rent, tug of war games, marshmallow toasting over a bonfire and hike the trails to find the GSC Medallion for $$ prize.
Come into the barn/event center and see Jean Soprano of Kindred Kingdom, present her new show “Birds of Prey: Their place in the Ecosystem.”
Then take the “Winter Wildlife” guided nature hike with biologists Michael and Julie Fishman to find signs of life along the trails. Get your family portrait taken, by professional portrait photographer, Jim Soriano, wearing outrageous hats or costumes for a small donation, (pick up on the premises). Sit by the woodstove and watch a picture show of Animal Tales by renown wildlife photographer, Eric Dresser (his photos have appeared in National Geographic, the NYS Conservationist, Ranger Rick magazines and many others). Make a snowflake for the contest or make a pinecone owl for yourself.
Watch the Boy Scouts build an igloo, learn winter survival techniques taught by the Morrisville St. College Environmental Club, build bluebird nest boxes from recycled materials, learn about hibernation and play hibernation games.
Hot food will be available at the Ladybug Café. Be sure to bring a camera and record all the fun, maybe even “capture” a bird at the feeding stations.
festival is Saturday Feb. 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donation: $3 adults, $1 child 12 and under. Snow or no, it is a go.