Meadowlark Festival

Go to the Meadowlark Festival office and you’ll likely be told to take a hike. If that doesn’t interest you, then there are nearly 100 other events during this five-day festival that might. Held annually in May, the Meadowlark Festival offers nature lovers a chance to explore the diverse habitats and unique species found in the South Okanagan and Similkameen region, considered to be one of the most endangered ecosystems in Canada.

What started as a small birding festival ten years ago has evolved into one of Canada’s premier outdoor nature celebrations. People from across North America and as far away as Europe come for the field tours, lectures, workshops and other activities led by prominent naturalists, educators, artists and scientists.

One of the festival’s greatest appeals is that it truly tries to offer something for every eco-enthusiast. Fitness buffs can enjoy hiking, biking, canoeing and horseback riding in the surrounding valleys, lakes, plateaus and desert, while the more sedentary can take a guided van tour or sign up for a leisurely stroll. The junior nature lover can take part in special children’s programs such as “Slimy Salamanders and Totally Awesome Toads” and “Wings on their Fingers: Bats of the South Okanagan.”

And while some find beauty in bats, others draw inspiration from more traditional art forms. Flip through the festival program and you’ll notice a number of events that combine nature and the arts, including drawing workshops, book and poetry readings, musical performances and art exhibits.

Each year, the artwork of one featured artist is chosen for use on all festival merchandise and promotional materials. Traditionally, the chosen artist will then donate one of his or her original works to be auctioned off to raise funds for the festival, which is run by the Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance (OSCA), a non-profit organization that promotes environmental awareness and conservation.

Numbers are limited for some of the smaller group tours and many of the festival’s most popular events sell out quickly. Tickets usually go on sale towards the end of April and it’s recommended that you reserve yours early to avoid disappointment.

For more information about the festival, please visit the official website at: www.meadowlarkfestival.bc.ca.