Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival 2006
Posted on November 7th, 2006 by Rodney Hsu, webmaster

Celebrating the Biodiversity of the Fraser Valley
www.fraservalleybaldeaglefestival.ca

British Columbia's Fraser Valley is home each year to North America's third largest population of over-wintering bald eagles. Perched in tall cottonwood trees and soaring high overhead, as many as 800 – 1200 bald eagles return for the winter months to feast on the remains of salmon, spawning in the Harrison and Fraser Rivers, and tributary creeks.

The eleventh annual Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival will be held on November 25th and 26th in Mission, BC. This fun-filled and educational weekend offers ample opportunity to view the bald eagle and pacific salmon in their natural habitat and to learn about the inter-relationship between these two species. The festival is a celebration of the intricate web of life, providing opportunities to learn about the delicate balance that is needed to sustain a healthy and resilient environment — the kind of environment that keeps the eagles returning in such numbers, each year.

The Eagle Festival an ideal reason for a weekend getaway, day long excursion or afternoon drive. With the spectacular Coast Mountains to the north, lush rainforests, and a stunning view of the mighty Fraser River, the event offers outstanding scenery as well as the opportunity for a close-up view of these magnificent birds.

History

The Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival has its roots in wildlife management and environmental conservation. It was founded in 1995 by the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund, the Wild Bird Trust, and the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce. Originally the named the Harrison Chehalis Bald Eagle Festival, its present name was adapted in 1998.

From the beginning, the festival adopted and continues to use a passport system where visitors drive from one point of interest to another, collecting passport stamps at each location. Local businesses donated prizes that could be won with a completed passport. In 1998, the Mission Chamber of Commerce and a small but enthusiastic committee took on the event. This group began to look at ways of expanding the festival and its activities. In 2000, local artisans and businesses were invited to participate in a craft show at Harrison Mills Community Hall, which also showcased educational and

environmental exhibits. New venues were added to the route and corporate sponsorship allowed for printing of brochures, maps and signage.

The festival's tenth anniversary, in 2005, saw a move to the Leq'á:mel First Nations Hall, the launch of the festival website and the addition of several more venues. This special occasion was marked by a spectacular live eagle release and record attendance.

The Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival continues to grow each year and has welcomed thousands of visitors since its humble beginnings. Venues now include historically significant locations, aboriginal sites, environmental enhancement facilities and unique viewing areas, with naturalists, interpreters and wildlife experts available on-site. Guest speakers over the years have included world-renowned environmentalist Dr. David Suzuki, Stó:lo Chief Frank Malloway, and noted wildlife artist, Robert Bateman. Lectures, presentations, family activities, food samplings, artisan displays and, of course, the eagles make for an event that includes something for everyone.

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