Welcoming back Spring

CANASTOTA, N.Y. >> On Saturday and Sunday, May 4-5, from10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Great SwampConservancy will hold its annual celebration to honor migrating birds.

This annual event will feature food, live music, wildlife artists and animal exhibits. Community groups in attendance include the Madison County Health Department, Wanderers’ Rest, and the Madison County Department of Solid Waste. Maple Hedge Farm will provide horse rides, weather permitting, Wildlife rehabilitator William Deblois will show guests local wildlife, and 7 Trees Goat Farm will also be on hand.

There will also be a baby pheasant exhibit, a petting zoo, a native plant sale, kids rock climbing wall, kids nature expedition, crafts and games, an obstacle course, raffles and tractor wagon rides.

Admission is $4 per adult, $1 per child ages 12 and under, and $10 for families.

The schedule for the weekend includes:

Saturday

10 a.m. - Gates Open Wildlife Artists, Crafters 10 a.m. - Guided Bird Walk, Tim Johnston of Spring Farm Cares- boots required 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Onondaga Audubon

10-11:30 a.m. - music by guitarist Scott Miller

11 a.m. - Chicken BBQ until gone $10-½ chicken, baked potato, baked beans, roll, dessert, water

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. - music by Harmony Katz

1- 4 p.m. - Westy’s Birds of Prey

1:30-3:30 p.m. - music by guitarist Mark Douglas

Sunday

10 a.m. - Gates Open Wildlife Artists, Crafters 10-11 a.m. - Drum Circle 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Out of the Cage

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Music by Liz and Al 1-3 p.m. - Upscale Exotics 2-3:30 p.m. - music by guitarist Elliot Clark

Noon to 3 p.m. - Westy’s Birds of Prey

Noon to 3 p.m. - Utica Zoo Mobile