Skip to content

Flock to WildWings Festival this October

WildWings is a local annual nature festival organized by community stewardship groups to increase awareness about local ecology.

Its October-November timing coincides with the return of the migrating Trumpeter Swans to their internationally significant wintering grounds in the Cowichan Valley.

"The aim of the festival is to get people out to these events that celebrate nature and enhance our local economy," said Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society Program Coordinator Elizabeth Bailey.

All the proceeds from this year's events will be put towards building the SMWS's 25th anniversary project, a viewing tower at the Somenos Marsh. Festival partners will host an array of activities including Celebrate Somenos: a day of tours, talks and workshops in different nature-scapes around the Valley (Oct. 25) and a grand finale concert at the Cowichan Theatre with Holly Arntzen and the Wilds featuring the Alexander School choir (Nov. 14).

This year's WildWings art exhibition opening night event (Oct. 16) at Just Jakes Restaurant will be the after-party for the Downtown Business Improvement Association's Under the Red Umbrella art walk. "There is something for every member of the family at this year's festival. Whether you like beer and live music, nature tours or art, everyone is sure to have a good time and it's all in support of conserving our local environment," added Bailey.

For more information about events please visit the festival website www.wildwingsfestival. com or "like" the Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society on Facebook.