Nature Fest Art Show and Enchanted Forest return to TWC
DGKN staff report
WILMOT Two of The Wilderness Center’s popular annual events return this fall along with much of its regular programming.
After a hiatus in 2020, TWC has reformulated the way some of its events are held to make them safer while still being fun for the community, according to a news release.
Nature Fest: From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sept. 12, TWC is bringing back its Nature Fest Art Show into the outdoor Nature Fest Artists’ Market featuring local artists selling their work, educational programs and activities, and a fun, outdoor festival to celebrate the beauty of our wilderness.
“TWC has a long history of supporting and promoting local artists, craftspeople, and photographers. The art show was always about offering them an opportunity to support their passions,” says Development Coordinator, Tiffany Leeper.
This event used to be held indoors in November but was moved outdoors and rescheduled for September. Local musicians will play throughout the event, food vendors will be on site, and visitors can shop from over 20 local artists and craftspeople. The event is free and open to the public.
Enchanted Forest: For two nights each October, the trails surrounding The Wilderness Center are filled with the laughter and excitement of families discovering the nocturnal creatures of the Enchanted Forest, and TWC is pleased to bring that excitement back in 2021. This year at the Enchanted Forest, Slug, Bat, Salamander, Opossum, Spider, and Coyote will display their animal super powers. As guests are escorted along the pumpkin-lit trails by volunteer ‘fireflies,’ these friendly animals will sing songs, tell jokes and share stories of their impressive animal adaptations. Following this 45-minute walk, families can enjoy refreshments. Children and adults are welcome to wear non-scary costumes. This year, TWC will offer evening times on Friday, Oct. 8 and evening and afternoon times on Saturday, Oct. 9. Tickets will be available for purchase online to TWC members starting Sept. 8 and to the general public on Sept. 15.
In addition to these special events, The Wilderness Center will bring back many of its educational programs in September:
* Wine and Wilderness: Backyard Bird-feeding
6:30 p.m. Sept. 3
Educational event for adults at Troutman Vineyards
*Star Watch with the Astronomy Club
8:30 p.m. Sept. 3
Star-watching event for all ages
*Stream Explorers
1 p.m. Sept. 4
Educational program for school-aged children and families
*Storytime Sprouts: Wonderful Wildlife
11 a.m. Sept. 8 and Sept. 21
Educational program for preschoolers
*Night Hike to Telescopes
8 p.m. Sept. 17
Hiking and sky-watching program for all ages
*Plants of the Prairie
11 a.m. Sept. 18
Educational program for adults
*Playscape Playdate “On the Moonscape”
Noon Sept. 18
Playdate/Educational program for preschoolers
*Bug Buddies
11 a.m. Sept. 19
Educational program for school-aged children and families
*Under the Night Sky
7 p.m. Sept. 24
Online astronomy program
All programs take place at The Wilderness Center unless noted. More information on all of these events can be found at wildernesscenter.org
