ROCKINGHAM — Where can you learn about barred owls and bats, see a wolf and a wallaby, and enjoy a day outside along the beautiful Connecticut River?
The Herricks Cove Wildlife Festival, of course.
Folks have been celebrating spring and wildlife here on the first Sunday in May for the past 14 years. This year's festival, on May 5, includes nature presentations, activities, and programs featuring diverse animals, guided nature walks, crafts, tasty food, workshops, a kids' wildlife parade, birding, and more.
The festival brings together more than 25 outdoor, wildlife, environmental, and conservation groups from New England and beyond. The WILD Center and the Zoological Park of New England will be on hand all day with live animals from across the globe.
Other presenters include Vermont Institute for Natural Science, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, The Wolf Conservation Center, and the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum.
In a new attraction, Lindsay Bezich brings her Puppet Pals, lovingly crafted, giant hand puppets and marionettes, to the festival. Her show will be filled with silliness, crowd participation, and unique, memorable characters for all ages to enjoy.
Children are again invited to make masks and costumes and join the festival wildlife parade.
Herricks Cove is located just off Route 5, less than three miles north of Bellows Falls. The festival runs rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations of $2 person or $5 family are requested. Pets should stay home, as they interfere with the live animal programs.