What better place to celebrate the wonders of fall than Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary?

By Robin Jovanovich

 

What better place to celebrate the wonders of fall than Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary? That’s what Rye resident Jana Seitz thought. Seitz, who joined the Friends of Read in March, loves throwing a party and she has planned a big one at the Sanctuary Saturday, October 13 from 12-5 p.m.

 

Expand your nature know-how at a Birds of Prey demonstration with falconer Brian Bradley and Wild Critters show by The Nature Company. Take a spirited stroll through the Bam-boooo Forest with storyteller Jonathan Kruk. Pick your own pumpkin, just in time for Halloween, in the Pumpkin Patch. Bob for apples.

 

Enjoy live music by Arcadia Jazz and bluegrass band Hudson Crossing. Take painting lessons with local artist Adrienne Watkins. Head over to the Kids’ Corner hosted by Westchester Children’s Museum. While you’re there have your family portraits taken by Ferris Photography. Don’t miss the nature photography exhibit.

 

Seitz has planned a multitude of fun activities within the 179-acre preserve.

 

“This event, the first fall festival at Read, is as much about friend-raising as fundraising,” she said. “I love the woods and the trails there, and I was inspired after hearing so many stories about the energetic, unflagging Edith Read. I wish I’d met her. When asked to what she owed her success in saving the property from development and ensured its protection, she said she simply followed a few rules: ‘Do your homework, always be polite, and never, ever give up.’”

 

Seitz reports the community has really come out to help. The County is providing tents and sanitation; Apawamis Club is lending picnic blankets; and the Historical Society is giving them the exhibit panels from the Edith Read exhibit.

 

In addition to going to the festival, everyone is encouraged to purchase 50/50 raffle tickets, which are available at Rye Beach Pharmacy. The Friends of Read will also be selling T-shirts, bumper stickers and magnets to help support the sanctuary.

 

There’s still time to support your favorite event with a donation. A sign will be posted at Read acknowledging donors.

 

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 children. Parking is free.

 

Spread the word. Call Jana at 409-5432 if you want to volunteer. Join the fun. See you at the festival!