Editor's pick: Arts and crafts by the lake

Nature lovers flock to the

23rd annual Audubon

Art & Craft Festival

WHEN: Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: The Wallenpaupack Area School.

COST: $4; children 12 and under admitted free.

CONTACT: audubonfestival.com or fooks@kutztown.edu or

HAWLEY, PA — The shore of Lake Wallenpaupack will be the setting for the 23rd annual Audubon Art & Craft Festival, held on Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20, focusing on wildlife and nature. The Wallenpaupack Area School complex, an indoor, air conditioned facility, on Route 6, will house the event. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. both days.

There will be presentations by conservationists and wildlife experts, and the display and sales of distinctive art and crafts by talented artisans.

“People of all ages appreciate the festival, and this year there are more entertaining and hands-on activities for children. Education and fun for the younger set is especially appropriate since proceeds from the festival help to fund scholarships for children and teachers to learn more about nature and protecting the environment,” festival coordinator Dave Fooks said.

A nature film festival, puppet show, live animal displays, live birds of prey as presented by the Delaware Valley Raptor Center, environmental programs for children, face painting and balloon sculpture are among the activities planned during the two-day festival.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see hawks and falcons in flight with a commentary by Steve Hoddy of Earthquest, a non-profit organization devoted to public education in wildlife topics. Earthquest provides programs that illustrate the true nature of animals through live demonstrations in a controlled environment.

Artists and craftsmen from 15 states will exhibit and sell their original paintings, sketches, photography and hand-made crafts related to wildlife and nature at the festival.

Sponsored by the Northeast Pennsylvania Audubon Society, the festival helps to fund environmental scholarships, conservation programs for schools and community groups, nature books for schools and libraries and grants to local and international environmental groups.

Admission is $4, and children 12 years of age and under are admitted free. For more information email fooks@kutztown.edu.