January 24, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ann O’Leary, CAS
203.259.6305, ext. 102
aoleary@ctaudubon.org
Seventh Annual Connecticut Audubon Society Eagle Festival Returns to Essex Connecticut
“Largest Birding Festival in North America” set for February 18-19, 2006
Fairfield, Connecticut - Connecticut Audubon Society Eagle Festival will return to Essex, Connecticut on Saturday and Sunday, February 18 and 19, 2006. This annual winter celebration welcomes the remarkable bald eagles back to the region from Canada and northern New England to feed on prey found in open waters of the lower Connecticut River. Last year’s event saw more than 15,000 visitors come to Essex over the two-day span to view the Bald Eagle in the wild.
“We are thrilled to once again be staging our Eagle Festival in Essex, Connecticut,” said Bob Martinez, President of Connecticut Audubon Society, “Each year, more than 15,000 visitors fill our lectures, view our live birds of prey demonstrations and take a trip on our eagle boats. This event is a perfect example of Connecticut Audubon Society’s mission to conserve, educate and advocate for Connecticut’s natural resources.”
The seventh annual celebration of the return of the bald eagle will once again feature television personality Phil Donahue as Honorary Chairman. East Hartford-based Pratt & Whitney will serve as Presenting Sponsor. Berlin based Select Energy returns as Founding Sponsor. Voted “#1 Best Small Town in America” in The 100 Best Small Towns in America, Essex provides the perfect setting for celebrating this proud symbol of America’s freedom.
“Essex is proud to host the Eagle Festival,” said First Selectman Phil Miller, “Our citizens look forward to welcoming our guests to this great celebration.”
This year’s Festival will feature two-hour guided boat trips, the second annual EcoForum with Dr. James Watson and a variety of FREE activities at the Festival including land-based eagle viewing tours, environmental lectures, live birds of prey programs, musical entertainment, art exhibits, children’s programs and much more.
The Festival’s two-hour guided boat trips provide incredible opportunities for viewing eagles in their natural habitat along the Connecticut River. The boat trips are the only activity cost associated with the Festival. Boats will depart at 9am, 11:30am and 2pm both Saturday and Sunday from the Steamboat Dock for two-hour tours. Reservations can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800.714.7201. Boat trips depart three times a day from the Steamboat Dock at the Connecticut River Museum, 7 Main Street, Essex. A limited number of tickets will be sold at the Festival.
Ticket Prices & Schedule
9am Early Bird Special
Adults $35, Children 12 and Under $20, 4 and under FREE!
11:30am All Passengers
$40, 4 and under FREE!
2pm Family Special
Adults $35, Children 12 and Under $20, 4 and under FREE!
The Festival will also feature the EcoForum, New England’s Premier Eco-Event, with Phil
Donahue and Dr. James Watson, Pulitzer Prize winning biologist and co-discoverer of
the DNA molecule. The event will be held Saturday evening, February 18, 2006 at the historic
Ivoryton Playhouse. Tickets are $50 for General Admission and $35 for students. Tickets can be
purchased by calling the Ivoryton Playhouse at 860.767.7318 or by visiting
www.ivorytonplayhouse.com. Also, a limited number of pre-event reception tickets with Dr.
Watson can be purchased by calling 860.767.2848.
Directions:
Take Exit 3 off Route 9 to Essex. Follow signs for designated parking. There are FREE shuttle
buses to numerous venues around the town, with naturalists and event staff on hand.
Dress warmly and bring binoculars.
Founded in 1898, Connecticut Audubon Society is a statewide, nonprofit, membership organization dedicated to providing excellence in environmental education, encouraging the conservation of the state's natural resources and advocating for enlightened public policy on ecological matters. The Connecticut Audubon Society operates nature facilities in Fairfield, Milford, Glastonbury, Pomfret and Hampton as well as program outreach offices in Hartford and Essex. Connecticut Audubon Society manages 19 wildlife sanctuaries around the state preserving over 2,500 acres of open space. Connecticut Audubon Society is completely independent and is not affiliated with any government, national or state Audubon agencies. For membership and program information, visit www.ctaudubon.org.
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