By Judy Shuler
Sponsored by Panama Rocks, Royal Fern Nursery, and MediaOne Radio Group, it runs July 29-31 following a two-year break. “I am looking forward to holding the Wild America Nature Festival again for the first time since 2019,” said Jonathan Weston, owner of Panama Rocks and organizer of the Wild America Nature Festival. “We hope that our guests not only have a great time, but that the festival helps inspire appreciation and stewardship of our natural world.”
Over 30 nature art and craft vendors will be on site, as well as local food and farmers market vendors. Camaraderie BBQ is among the new food vendors.
Jamestown musicians taking the stage include Davis &Eng, Holly Abers, and Velvet Waves. Audubon Community Nature Center is providing a children’s play area. Axe throwing, and yoga are among the other activities.
Jeff “the Animal Guy” Musial, from Buffalo, will bring live animals from Nickel City Reptiles & Exotics. He has appeared on several national television shows, including The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and The Today Show.
Ellicottville master falconer Jonathan Clarkson and Hawk Creek from Buffalo will bring live birds of prey. Their shows will demonstrate falconry and include its rich history, the role these great birds have played in our past, and why they have fascinated humankind for millennia.
Talks on native plants will be presented by Jonathan Townsend, PhD student, research assistant with the University at Buffalo, co-owner of Royal Fern Nursery in Fredonia, and board member at Greystone Nature Preserve. Dr. Twan Leenders from the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy; Sarah Sorci from Sweet Flag Herbs; and Harold Reynolds, local foraging expert will also speak.
Mediums represented in the art and crafts show include watercolor, acrylics, photography, metal, fiber, wood, glass. Examples of their work can be seen on the Wild America Nature Festival Facebook page.
Returning artists include: Randy Connor (carved birds), John Stow (blacksmithing), Catherin Walsh (pottery), Jeremy Keller and Mary Ennis (pottery and hand carved signs), Carrie Tredo (eco-dyed fabric), Debbie Penley (felted animals), Megan Whitten (jewelry), Joan DeSimone (jewelry), Amy Hahn (mosaics), Ellen Paquette (painting), Randall Roberts (painting), Kim Kloecker (painting), Toni Kelly (painting), Eli Thomas (painting), Susan Gutierrez (painting), Sarah Schoolcraft (painting, jewelry, and pottery), Laura Gooley (photography and jewelry), Paul Jackino (rocket stoves), Katie Maciak (painting and glasswork), and Mike Crandall (woodworking).
New artists include: Al Jordan (wood carving), Mary Orsini (weaving), Janet Mandel (painting), Kevin Selkregg (rock art), Susan Barzak (ceramics), Michelle Hoff (stained glass), Lesley Swanson (woodworking), Crag Vollmer (woodworking), Brian Geary (woodworking), Margaret Bickenheuser (basket making), and Alex Rodefer (painting and illustration).
Online reservations are encouraged, with a reduced price, expedited entry lane at the festival, and 20% off a Wild America Nature Festival T-shirt. For 13 and older, daily fee is $10 on line, $12 at gate; ages 6-12, $8 and $10, respectively. Five and under are free. One and three-day passes are available.
Running the festival requires many volunteers. In return for one five-hour shift, volunteers will receive a three-day pass, a festival T-shirt, and a season pass to Panama Rocks.
Volunteers are still needed for Friday and Sunday. A volunteer registration form is included on their website. Schedules for programs and entertainment and detailed information for the festival can be found on Facebook and at wildamericafest.com.
Panama Rocks Scenic Park, site of the festival, is a labyrinth of towering rocks, deep crevices, passageways, and caves hidden in an ancient forest, located at 11 Rock Hill Road, Panama.