Acme Fall Festival 2016

Who knew a fall festival could be educational?  When I decided to go the Acme Fall Festival, I expected the usual craft and food booths, a play area for the children and the tractor and car shows.  However, when I got off the tractor wagon that met us in the parking area and took us to where the events were at Fairfield's, the first thing I saw was a rather large gathering of onlookers and a woman holding a bird on stage.  I didn't know what kind because I was just walking onto the scene. 

This woman was come to find out, Rebecca Lessard, founder and director of Wings of Wonder, a sanctuary dedicated to saving, rehabilitating and releasing back into the wild (if possible), raptors of all kinds.  She soon replaced the first bird with Doolin, a human printed turkey vulture.  I was mesmerized as Rebecca held this huge raptor on her arm and continued educating us about what type of bird is considered a raptor, their habitats and habits.  I must confess I lost focus for a minute as I was contemplating how heavy Doolin was, and how well-behaved he was throughout the presentation.

 

Rebecca Lessard with Doolin the turkey vulture

The climax of the presentation came when Rebecca released a rehabilitated red tailed hawk back into the wild.  As the hawk sought refuge in the nearby trees, I wished him well in his life as nature intended.

Releasing the red tailed hawk



Headed for the trees

        
The rest of the festival was pretty much as I'd expected.  I did stop by the Yuba Historical Society's booth and learn about the restoration of the school house.  All in all it was a beautifully perfect day to wander around the festival.  I encourage everyone to com out for next year's festival.  It was definitely worth the donation cost.
 
*Check out Wings of Wonder at www.wingsofwonder.org