Notes and pictures from recent shows.
Click on pictures for a better view
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Texas Parks and Wildlife Expo proved a trying
success for On the Wing Again once more. 44,500 people came to the event, and most stopped at our booth twice, once coming in and again going out. Several local people mentioned stopping by, but that they couldn't get through the crowds to say a personal hello. In spite of unexpected little developments (How do you cook a brisket in a microwave?), all volunteers survived. The concept of a t-shirt featuring an OTWA volunteer mantling over food is in development. |
| Celtic Heritage Festival at Bedford Boys'
Ranch This was a delightful weekend of terrific music and 2500 people who really wanted to listen to our educational message. Every year this is one of our favorite programs, even when it rains, and this year the weather was perfect. |
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| For three days of November, OTWA volunteers
and birds experienced the outdoors from the inside, as we talked to the customers and staff of Bass Pro Outdoor World in Grapevine. This place is terrific, almost a theme park, and definitely more than the average sporting goods store. Fishing demos, waterfall, pools full of record-breaking fish, and everything the outdoorsman's heart could desire, even raptors to admire and learn about! It was a very appreciative audience, with many folks who stood and listened to every word of the program several times through, as they drank in the beauty of our avian ambassadors. |
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| The little town of Emory, the Eagle Capital of Texas, once
again hosted Eagle Fest to celebrate the return of our national symbol.
On the Wing Again was there for school bus after school bus arriving for
programs on Friday, and the general public from all over the state
joined us on Saturday. Highlights of this show include the barge tours
to see wild eagles as they ought to be, and the wonderful home cooked
food.
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| Dino Dash: On the Wing Again helped out our educational colleagues with
a program for the Dallas Museum of Natural History in Fair Park. This
annual event benefits them, and gives us a chance to reach many, many
people we wouldn't see otherwise, as they're usually on the run!
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Neil Sperry All Garden Show: This show is always a highlight of our
season, as we have the opportunity to speak with so many folks who share
a love of nature with us. And they are so anxious to learn more about
the birds they see while laboring in those beautiful yards. The biggest
danger to volunteers here is whether they'll spend everything in their
pockets when they leave the booth for a break. Whether it's beautiful
garden art, garden products (Love that Pecan Honey Butter), or wonderful
plants, it's there tempting you
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| North Texas Celtic Festival: No program we do has more good music, even
though we're so crowded with people around the booth, we barely get to
hear it. It's an audience we don't reach at many of our other programs,
with many city folks who really have never seen the species we bring.
For them, it's the revelation that there is a natural world still around
us, and I think we open some eyes and hearts.
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Lewisville Celtic Feis: This was the first year for this event, and we
do appreciate being included from the ground floor. The music, highland
games, and crafts look as if they're well on their way to a major event
for the area.
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| St. Patrick's Day Parade: Pegasus Plaza goes green every year for this
one, and we get to be a part of the festivities. The birds don't turn
green, though some of the parade participants do. It is an opportunity
to reach some citified citizens who don't see our programs any other
time.
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Watch for new pictures and notes from new shows as they occur.
