When eagles fly
Havana’s Eagle Days Festival 2007 set   

[DEC. 28, 2006]  HAVANA -- Did you know that in the winter eagles follow boats on the river because fish are brought up to the surface for them to catch and eat? Mark your calendars for February 3rd, 2007 to attend Havana’s Eagle Days Festival. This year’s event promises another fun day with many venues to celebrate and learn about our National Bird – The Bald Eagle.

Begin your day at “Breakfast with a Raptor” at the First United Methodist Church from 6:00 to 10:00 a.m. - sponsored by the Havana Prevention Team.

Next, visit “The Perch” on Main and Schrader (open 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) where you will find festival information, maps, and can cast a vote for your favorite entry in the Illinois Wildlife Photography Show. For more information about entering the photography show, contact the Havana Public Library at 543-4701.

Many activities are available at Havana’s Riverfront Park from 8:00 a.m. to noon. View eagles and other wildlife from scopes along the river. Ride the Clip Clop Cruise – a horse-drawn carriage – through Riverfront Park to Bellrose Island for “The Unnatural Nature Hike” or to the Illinois Natural History Survey to learn about Illinois River critters, or to have your picture taken with “Emi” Eagle.

At the Riverside Club you can warm up with free hot beverages or purchase other food. Wildlife Prairie State Park has raptors there from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

At the Havana Public Library you can participate in family story hour at 10:00 and 11:00 a.m.

For many people, the highlight of Havana’s Eagle Days is attending a raptor show at the Havana Park District Gym. The Illinois Raptor Center presents “Illinois Raptors” at 12:30 and 2:30. Cost is just $3.00 per person to attend both shows. New this year – see some birds actually fly!

Havana’s Eagle Days Festival is coordinated by the Hav-A-Vision River Committee. Volunteers are needed to assure the day runs smoothly and is a success. Volunteer jobs still available include: gym sales during raptor shows, Riverside Club food sales, The Perch information center, and more. Please contact Rhonda Ferree, Cindy McGrew, or Jo Skoglund if you are available to help that day.

Rhonda Ferree, 543-6725 or [e-mail]
Cindy McGrew, [e-mail]
Jo Skoglund, [e-mail]

[News release]