Fossils and Feathers

The program of events for 2015 is now complete and available for viewing on the website, in the Day Planner. The PDF of the flyer is still in the planning stages and will be ready in about a week.

Registration starts on Monday, April 6th at 9:00 AM sharp. Registering Online is the fastest and most reliable method and the payment process is now even simpler. Many events sell out quickly, so register early to avoid being disappointed. The Festival runs from Monday May 4 to Sunday May 10.

The theme, Fossils and Feathers, was inspired by the recent find of a fossil bed of significant importance in the Kootenay National Park. Leading the way will be Jean-Bernard Caron, Curator of Invertebrate Paleontology at the Royal Ontario Museum, who headed the research field team that made the Marble Canyon fossil discoveries in 2012. In addition to delivering the keynote address at the Wings Gala Banquet, he will do an additional luncheon presentation, school presentations and participate in field trips and paddles. Our special objective is to educate the public on recent scientific research and discoveries in our corner of south-eastern BC. For more information, please check the website.

Pat and Baiba Morrow have spent over 1000 days trekking and climbing in the Himalaya from Pakistan to Bhutan, India and Tibet. They have recently prepared an exhibit and published an iBook “Heart of the Himalaya” featuring the alluring spirit of the people of the Himalaya. This will be the focus of their evening presentation at Wings. Expect some stunning photography, video and first hand insight from this remote but rapidly changing roof of the world.

Other presenters include Dave Quinn, Mark Mauthner, Sanford Osler, Chris Jenkins and The Wardens, who will share a special blend of music and storytelling from Canada's richest wilderness. There will also be a number of family events, a first for the festival.

We hope you will enjoy the full week field trips, presentations, workshops, hikes and paddles culminating with the Wings Gala Banquet at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. One hundred events will take place throughout the valley, from Kimberley to Golden, but as always the focal point of the Wings Festival is Invermere’s historic Pynelogs Cultural Centre, situated adjacent to Kinsmen Beach on beautiful Lake Windermere. Here you will find registration assistance, most evening presentations, an art show, and a display of silent and live auction items.