Celebrate wildlife at 2-day Arlington eagle festival

Published 1:30 am Monday, January 30, 2017

ARLINGTON — A festival that celebrates eagles in the Stillaguamish Valley marks its 10th year this weekend.

The annual Arlington-Stillaguamish Eagle Festival is set for Friday and Saturday. Events are planned around the area to honor eagles and other wildlife.

The festival typically draws up to 1,000 people over two days, recreation manager Sarah Lopez said. Some come for specific events while others stay and wander.

The festival is named for the eagles but features a variety of animals. New this year is a petting farm in the City Hall parking lot and an exhibit from Western Wildlife that showcases full-body mounts of a black bear and grizzly bear.

“Predators of the Heart,” a show by Calvary Chapel, is returning this year to Eagle Creek Elementary School. The Saturday shows always are popular with families, Lopez said.

Sarvey Wildlife Care Center plans to be at the festival with two eagles and other birds of prey.

For those who want to see eagles in the wild, there are rafting trips along the Stillaguamish River for $60 and free guided walking tours at two locations Saturday. The first is from 9 to 10 a.m. at the wetland behind Haller Park and the second is from 10 a.m. to noon at Port Susan Bay Preserve at the end of Boe Road in Stanwood.

The trip out to Port Susan is a good chance to see eagles, Lopez said. There usually are nests in the trees along the route. At the preserve, wildlife biologists should be available for questions and to share binoculars.

The Country Carvers are expected back for their chainsaw carving show at Legion Park in Arlington, including an ice sculpture demonstration and live auction of carvings on Saturday. A salmon-themed obstacle course also is planned at the park.

There are competitions during the festival for art, poetry and photography. Winning photos from past contests are being printed for display, Lopez said.

The Rock, Paper, Scissors art show is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at 225 E. 3rd St. It includes wool spinning and a rock and gem display. People also can wander over to the United Methodist Church on MacLeod Avenue for crafts.

Food vendors plan to park near City Hall and live music is scheduled at the Mirkwood Public House.

Inside City Hall, nature exhibits and a salmon life cycle display can be found during the festival. In the parking lot, old tractors and machines are being brought in to join the food vendors, petting farm and carnivores exhibit.

Aside from food, souvenirs and rafting, all activities are free, Lopez said.

For more information, go to arlingtonwa.gov/eaglefest.

Kari Bray: 425-339-3439; kbray@heraldnet.com.