Gone Wild

Something for Everyone at Elachee’s 2021 Snake Day Wildlife Festival

Bringing the community together Saturday, September 11, 2021, on the Elachee Nature Science Center campus was a sight for sore eyes and a welcome change of pace. Nearly 1,000 visitors enjoyed the outdoor festival set-up with plenty of space to roam around and learn about creatures that slither, flap, bleat and caw. This highly anticipated, blended event brought together the best of beloved Elachee seasonal public festivals: Snake Day, Raptor Fest and Tree Festival. An enthusiastic line-up of exhibitors and experts gave festival-goers up close and personal interactions with everything from llamas and opossums to falcons, pythons and a tree climbing adventure!

This festival’s huge success lies in giving children, families and nature lovers experiences that allow for a deeper understanding of and appreciation for wildlife of all kinds, as well as for the conservation organizations protecting that wildlife. Simply being outside and around other people filled the void and satisfied the longing to be face to face again with others in the community.

Children were able to get up close and personal with a falcon, hold a snake that weighs more than them and climb a tree; all experiences that spark fascination, wonder and possibly a passion. Adults were almost giddy at the prospect to seeing reptile species they had read about, but never seen in person or relieved to learn the black rat snake calling their back yard home is a friend.

Mark Your Calendars!

The Elachee Wildlife Festival returns Saturday, September 10, 2022. To become an Event Sponsor, Exhibitor or Food Vendor, call 770-535-1976.