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Vancouver, Washington – Celebrate Columbia River ecosystems with breathtaking birds, remarkable reptiles and spectacular sturgeon, showcased at the 23rd annual Sturgeon Festival, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Water Resources Education Center, 4600 S.E. Columbia Way.
Each year, this free family-friendly event attracts hundreds in a salute to our ecosystems and sturgeon, a family of fish that has been in existence more than 100 million years. Learn about sturgeon survival strategies for life in fresh and salt water. At noon, get a close-up view during a fish dissection performed by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists.
The Falconer returns to the event for a live bird show, featuring a variety of raptors. Later in the day, enjoy a riveting live reptile show presented by Steve’s Creature Feature. During the event, Eartha the Ecological Clown will provide face painting and show off Major, her friendly cockatoo. There’s a lot in store for families, including hands-on crafts and science activities. See other live, native fish species including baby salmon and lamprey. Learn from our partners about recycling, trees, water safety, and the importance of and actions you can take to protect our Columbia River ecosystem.
Highlights during the day include:
- 10:30 a.m. – Eartha the Ecological Clown, including Face Painting, until 3 p.m.
- 10:30 a.m. – Birds of Prey Show, with The Falconer
- 12 p.m. – Fish Dissection, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
- 1:30 p.m. – Live Reptile Show, with Steve’s Creature Feature
Lunch and snack items will be available for purchase from Black Dog Hot Dogs. The City of Vancouver’s Water Wagon will be on site to keep everyone hydrated throughout the event. In an effort to keep waste to a minimum, please bring reusable water bottles to refill at the Water Wagon.
The Sturgeon Festival is hosted by the City of Vancouver, with participation by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. For more information or directions, please contact the Water Center at 360-487-7111 or visit the website at www.cityofvancouver.us/watercenter.
ABOUT THE WATER RESOURCES EDUCATION CENTER:
Overlooking the Columbia River, the City of Vancouver's Water Resources Education Center offers exhibits, events and educational programs designed to teach us all how to be excellent stewards of water resources and how to use water wisely. The Water Center, a division of the City's Department of Public Works, is also caretaker of one of the metropolitan area's few remaining natural Columbia River riparian areas, nearly 50 protected acres of adjacent wetlands providing feeding, nesting and resting habitat for more than 120 species of fish and wildlife. The Water Center is part of the Vancouver National Historic Reserve.
The Water Center's general hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday. From Interstate 5 or Interstate 205, take state Highway 14 to Exit 1. Turn south under the highway, then east at the Columbia Shores intersection onto Columbia Way and head east about 3 miles to the Water Center. More information is available on the Internet at www.cityofvancouver.us/watercenter or by calling 360-487-7111.
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