| Date |
Event |
Details |
Saturday
May 5
|
MAINE’S BIG CATS |
Come and celebrate the opening of our new, state of the art mountain lion exhibit. Cougars used to live in Maine, but the last verified cat was shot in the early 1930s. Cougar sightings are often reported here, but few have been confirmed. Canada lynx and bobcats are native wild cats that reside at the park as well. Rarely seen in the wild, learn about the life-styles of all 3 elusive species of cat. |
Saturday
May 12
|
INTERNATIONAL MIGRATORY BIRD DAY |
Celebrates and brings attention to one of the most important and spectacular events in the Americas - bird migration. Bird Day is celebrated in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Join MWP Assistant Superintendent Steve Oliveri for all kinds of bird demonstrations & activities for kids. Meet the Park’s resident Bald Eagle Lawrence! Bring your cameras for some great close-ups! www.birdday.org |
Saturday
May 19
|
ENDANGERED SPECIES COALITION |
Endangered Species Day is on Friday May 18th this year. Learn about the importance of protecting endangered species; and everyday actions that people can take to help protect our nation’s disappearing wildlife and last remaining open spaces. www.stopextinction.org |
Sat - Mon
May 26 - 28
|
FRIENDS OF THE MAINE WILDLIFE PARK ANNUAL PLANT SALE: |
The Friends volunteer group helps out the wildlife park in so many ways; learn more about their ongoing projects & enjoy great bargains on spring plants with annual & perennial flowers, vegetables & floral baskets grown in their own greenhouse! Plants will be available all day each day. www.wildlifeparkfriends.org/ |
Saturday
June 2
|
SPARKS ARK |
Have you ever had a raccoon stuck in your chimney, a skunk under your porch, woodchucks in the garden, or bats in your attic? Dave Sparks is a licensed animal damage control agent and the professional to call when you experience a conflict with area wildlife. He can also give you tips, tricks and ways to discourage wildlife that may be causing trouble in your gardens, home and buildings. Meet some ‘due to be relocated’ live critters. www.sparksark.com |
Saturday
June 9
|
THE TARDY BROTHERS: HIGH ENERGY JUGGLING: 11AM SHOW TIME |
Combining skills in juggling, contortion, acrobatics & choreography, Maine natives & brothers Matthew & Jason demonstrate team work, creativity, goal-setting, perseverance & patience. They teach children the importance of setting goals & to reach for the stars! TWO has amazed audiences across the country; & has been described as “juggling meets the X-Games!” www.thetardybrothers.com Sponsored by: US & Co. Computers |
Saturday
June 16
|
FLY TYING & FLY CASTING WITH TROUT UNLIMITED |
Sebago Trout Unlimited (TU) Chapter members will be on hand to teach these popular fishing techniques. Bring Dad to the Park to learn to cast, then tie a fly, then bring it home to try on your next fishing trip- you and your family may get ‘hooked’! www.sebagotu.org |
Saturday
June 23
|
MAINE GUIDES ASSOCIATION |
The Maine Guide's Association is made up of professionals dedicated to promoting a quality, ethical & legal outdoor experience for all. Guides Licenses are issued in the categories of Hunting, Fishing, Recreation, Sea Kayaking & Whitewater Rafting. Come to learn why you’ll want to hire a registered Maine Guide for your next outdoor adventure! www.maineguides.org |
Saturday
June 30
|
ATV MAINE |
ATV MAINE was organized to promote the safe & responsible use of ATVs, to work on landowner relations, & to be a unified voice on legislative issues regarding ATVs. Maine has been rated #1 nationally for its ATV trail system; & ATV Maine is a clearing house of information from local clubs statewide. Check out their exhibit, some ATVs, & find out how you can become a member of a local club. Kids can test ride a child-sized ATV on a short, supervised course! www.atvmaine.org |
Saturday
July 7
|
BIRDS OF WILD-HAVEN |
Barbara and Tomm Tomlinson have been offering Raptor presentations for 2 decades. With bad jokes, silly props and live birds.......nature education will never be the same! Their program birds were permanently disabled in accidents in the wild, so cannot be released, but have learned to be wonderful ambassadors for owls, hawks and more! |
Saturday
July 14
|
PREDATORS OF THE NIGHT VISIT |
Many of Maine’s predators are active primarily at dawn, dusk or in the dead of night. Called ‘crepuscular’ or ‘nocturnal’, find out how these animals are equipped to do their jobs under the cover of darkness -- while you wander the park in the dark! TIME: 7:30PM - 9:30PM Regular admission fees. (Call office FMI 657-4977 if raining) The Nature Store & Snack Shack will be open for snacks & souvenirs! |
Saturday
July 21
|
THE ANCIENT ONES |
This group, in full period dress, will set up a real Living History Camp from the late 1700s - 1800s They will put up a canvas tent & have demonstrations going on all day long, including fire starting, cooking, trading, tomahawk throwing, flint knapping, flintlock muskets, weaving, & the like. Come to see what day-to-day life really looked like 200 years ago! www.theancientonesofmaine.com |
Saturday
July 28
|
TRAILS END & AVIAN TAXIDERMY |
Taxidermy is a method of reproducing a life-like, 3-dimensional rendition of a mammal, bird or fish for permanent display. Come & see a variety of examples of this delicate art with local taxidermists Dana Soucier & Tom Berube representing the Maine Association of Taxidermists. Dana will demonstrate the process of mounting a mammal & Tom will demonstrate how to mount waterfowl, both from start to finish. www.trailsendtaxidermystudio.com or www.tomsavian.com |
Saturday
August 4
|
MAINE BOW ASSOCIATION YOUTH ARCHERY |
Join Jerome & Tina Richards, certified Firearm, Bow & Crossbow Hunter Safety Instructors, for some hands-on fun with archery! The Richards will provide instruction, set up archery targets, & have a variety of bows for you to try out. This is great way for you & your kids to try your hands at an increasingly popular sport. www.mainebowhunters.org |
Saturday & Sunday
August 11 - 12
|
NATIVE AMERICAN POW WOW - HONOR THE ANIMALS! |
Representatives of several Maine & New England tribes will be at the park for two full days with native dancers, drummers, craft vendors, singers & traditional food booths. Special events will be presented throughout each day. Grand Entry both Saturday & Sunday at 12 noon. This is an exciting opportunity to learn more about Maine’s Native American culture & heritage. (All day, rain or shine). Sponsored by: Cole Farms Restaurant and Cooks Hardware |
Saturday
August 18 |
CHAINSAW WILDLIFE ARTISTS |
Join Maine Custom Wood Sculpture’s Bill Fournier as he uses a chain saw to create eagles, bears & more. Watch a block of wood become a work of art. Also see Ron Carlson whose lifelong chainsaw carving hobby became a business; now thousands of pieces later, Ron specializes in carving bears & will have a variety of carvings on exhibit & for sale. Bring your cameras & your earplugs! Also, local artist Georgie Kanach, www.Mainenatureart.com will be on hand to demonstrate a variety of her art mediums and techniques, including her amazingly intricate carvings of moose antlers. |
August 18 - 26
|
THE FINAL CHARGE |
A massive, museum quality display showing two huge Bull Moose with locked antlers, created by taxidermist Mark Dufresne of Nature’s Reflections Taxidermy in Gray. Most often exhibited at the LL Bean flagship store in Freeport, this amazing display is on loan to us for our visitors to view & photograph up close! www.llbean.com |
Saturday
August 25
|
LIFE OF THE HONEYBEE |
Learn about the industrious life of the honey bee, & the role of the beekeeper. Parts of the bee hive & beekeeping equipment will be on display; & experienced bee keepers will be available to answer your questions. A variety of delicious native Maine honey & other natural products from the hive will be on sale.www.mainebeekeepers.org |
Saturday
September 1 |
LANDSCAPING FOR WILDLIFE WITH SKILLIN’S GREENHOUSES |
Expert native landscaping staff will be on hand with a wide selection of native shrubs, small trees & other plants that are hardy & attractive, while providing food & shelter for our birds & wildlife. Fall is a great time to plant, & these quality plants are on sale & ready to install into your yard or landscape. www.skillins.com |
Sunday
September 8
|
RICK CHARETTE CONCERT! |
As a singer & songwriter, Rick Charette has been capturing the hearts & spirits of young & old alike with his delightful & inspiring children’s songs. His performances blend original contemporary pop music & lyrics with imaginative activities that generate all kinds of audience participation. Many songs performed will be about Maine’s wild animals! Rick will sign autographs & sell CDs after the show.
Concert show time is 11am-12noon; rain or shine.
www.rickcharette.com Sponsored by: Windham Blue Seal, Harvest Hill Farms, Friends of the Maine Wildlife Park |
Sunday
September 9
|
NATIONAL GRANDPARENT’S DAY |
National Grandparents Day is the first Sunday after Labor Day, & was signed into law by President Jimmy Carter. Free admission for Grandparents accompanied by their grandchildren; regular entrance fees for all other family members. |
Saturday
September 29 |
APPLE DAY |
The Gems of Route 26 will be offering a variety of events featuring crisp Maine apples and apple products.Visit all 7 GEMS for a variety of fun activities! Here at the Park, watch us feed the animals with demonstration apple feedings at scheduled times during the course of the day. You probably knew the deer and bears love apples - but what about
the foxes, coyotes, wild turkeys or turtles? www.gemsof26.com |
Friday & Saturday Nights
October 19 & 20
|
HALLOWEENFEST:
6:00-9:00 PM |
Celebrate Halloween in 2 nights of fun with the Park’s native wildlife! Get into the spooky spirit! Special Halloween Displays! Haunted Hay Rides! Wear your costumes! Games, Contests, Huge Door Prizes & more! Regular Admission Fees. (Call office FMI 657-4977 if raining)
The Nature Store and Snack Shack will be open for spooky snacks & souvenirs! |
Sunday
November 11
|
Veterans Day/Closing Day for the Park |
Free admission for U.S. Military personnel and Veterans and their immediate family members on our last day of the season. |
Our picnic shelters and Outdoor Classroom may be reserved for parties, special occasions, family gatherings and more!
Special Wildlife programs and tours available.
Consider volunteering at the wildlife park. There are opportunities for gatehouse attendants, tour guides, gardeners and store clerks in the Snack Shack and Nature Store.
For more information, please call (207) 657-4977, ext. 0. |
