A child hugs Smokey the Bear at last year's BearFest during the Read with a Ranger event at the Irene Ingle Public Library. This year's reading event is at 11 a.m. Friday at the library.
From Wednesday through Sunday, the schedule for BearFest is loaded with something for all ages, whether games and art workshops or food and educational symposiums.
Since the event is focused on bears, there will be bear safety classes, a look at the new Anan Wildlife Observatory for bear viewing, a history of bears in national parks, and bear conservation among other bear-related topics.
BearFest organizer Sylvia Ettefagh said in an interview earlier this month that the mission of the five-day event is to promote Wrangell, the environment and "a very important part of our environment - the bears."
The following is the schedule as of Monday.
Wednesday, July 27
Art Workshop: 10 a.m.
Nolan Center lobby
Art projects for kids and families. All supplies provided.
Bear Safety Workshop: 11 a.m.
Outdoor shooting range
Bear behavior, safe and effective use of bear spray and more.
"Beary" Pie Contest: Noon.
Nolan Center
Judging for the best pie made from local berries. Entries should be delivered to the Nolan Center by 11:30 a.m.
Symposium: 6 p.m.
Nolan Center
Lance Craighead: A history of bears in national parks.
Barrie Gilbert: How bear-viewing sites can advance bear conservation and community business.
Thursday, July 28
Art Workshop: 10 a.m.
Nolan Center lobby
Art project for adults. All supplies provided.
Tree Talk: 1 p.m.
Nolan Center classroom
Elizabeth Graham (U.S. Forest Service, Juneau) on Western blackheaded budworm.
Cub Plunge: 2 p.m.
City pool
BearFest games in the pool! Open to the public. Children under 7 need a parent or guardian over 14 in the water. Non-swimmers under 48-inches tall need a lifejacket.
Symposium: 6 p.m.
Nolan Center
Shawn Crimmins: Is there bear hair there? Monitoring grizzly bears in Interior Alaska using non-invasive genetics.
Harry Reynolds: Relating the bears of northern Alaska and Southeast.
Tory Houser: Presentation of new Anan facility.
Friday, July 29
Read with a Ranger: 11 a.m.
Irene Ingle Public Library gazebo
Children's books with Forest Service interpreter Corree Delabrue.
Chili Hot Dog Feed: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church
Donations accepted.
Native Stories and Dance: 4 p.m.
Chief Shakes Tribal House
Presentation of Tlingit heritage and culture.
Dinner and Auction: 6 p.m.
Stikine Restaurant
Gourmet dinner by Chef Eric Jackson of Seattle. Auction will include outdoor gear, handmade goods, seafood, fresh fruit boxes and more. Live music by the Banta Band. Tickets are sold out. Call 907-874-3006 to be added to the waitlist.
Saturday, July 30
Golf Tournament: 10 a.m.
Muskeg Meadows
Registration starts at 9 a.m.
Community Market: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Vendors of local goods. Produce, handmade items, baked goods, art and more.
Kids Games: 11 a.m.
Nolan Center lawn
The famous BearFest fish toss, cub-o-war and more. U.S. Forest Service camp setup.
Cooking Demonstration: noon
Nolan Center
Jam Session/Music Workshop: 2 p.m.
Nolan Center
Jam session and workshop with the Banta Band.
Smoked Salmon Contest: 3 p.m.
Nolan Center lobby
Drop off entries at Nolan Center lobby by 2:30 p.m. for judging.
Marathon Pasta Feed: 6 p.m.
Nolan Center lobby
Pasta dinner for half- and full-marathon runners only. Attendance is not mandatory, but participants are encouraged to come pick up swag bags, check out the course maps, and receive information for race day.
Live Music: 8 p.m.
Rayme's Bar
The Banta Band
Sunday, July 31
BearFest marathon, half and 5k: 7 a.m.
Nolan Center
6 a.m., self-timed early start for full marathon only
7 to 7:45 a.m., full marathon, half marathon and 5K registration
8 a.m., half- and full-marathon races start
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