HAWLEY, PA — The Audubon Wildlife Art & Craft Festival is celebrating its 30th year as an educational, fun opportunity for all ages to learn about, and experience firsthand, many of nature’s mysteries. It will be held July 18 and 19 at the Wallanpaupack Area High School on Route 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

The festival will feature continuous presentations of live animals by some of the top wildlife experts in the Northeast. These animals can be seen up close and in a way few people ever get to see. How they live, their habits, what they eat, and why they are a lot more afraid of people than people are of them will be explained in easy-to-understand detail that you and your children will never forget.

Over 80 of the nation’s finest wildlife and nature artists and craftsmen will be exhibiting, as well as selling their work. Photography, acrylic and oil painting, serigraphy and watercolor will all be displayed. There will be handmade craftswork inspired by nature or wildlife, jewelry, clothing, pottery, woodcarving, quilting, metalwork, leatherwork and furniture. Many of these artists and craftsmen are from our region.

The Pennsylvania State Woodmobile will be at the festival on Saturday. This special exhibit is sponsored by the PA Department of Agriculture. The Woodmobile is a fun, informative display used to introduce the benefits and impact of the PA state timber industry to both adults and kids.

Sculpted Ice Works of the Pocono Mountains will be doing chainsaw ice sculptures of animals native to Pennsylvania for visitors to enjoy both days.

Sponsored by the Northeast Pennsylvania Audubon Society, the festival will have free conservation literature and a wide variety of environmental, conservation and wildlife experts on hand. There will be door prizes, nature center exhibits, activities just for kids, and plenty of homemade food.

Funds raised at the festival help to maintain two wetlands in Wayne County and to provide environmental scholarships to students in the area, conservation programs to schools and community organizations, and nature books to schools and libraries.

Visit www.audubonfestival.com.