Looking for a way for the whole family to enjoy the outdoors this spring? Come to Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center’s Outdoor Festival and JAKES Day Sat., May 17! This fun-filled event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center’s (CEWC) Discovery Area in Mansfield. Sponsors for the Outdoor Festival include the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) and the Georgia Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF).

Admission is free and includes an array of activities that focus on wildlife, conservation efforts and outdoor recreational opportunities in Georgia. Children can try their hands at archery, fishing, shooting sports, and can go on a mini-boat ride with a WRD Conservation Ranger. Show your spirit for the outdoors by getting your face decorated with wildlife art! Presentations scheduled for this event include puppet shows from Keep Covington/Newton Beautiful and live snake and bird of prey programs. Several exhibitors from wildlife-related organizations also will be on hand to give out information and goodies to those interested in expanding their outdoor horizons.

The first 500 kids will receive a free t-shirt and a free hot dog lunch from the Ga. Chapter of NWTF (adults can eat for a nominal fee). For kids under 17 years old, memberships in the NWTF’s JAKES club (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics, & Sportsmanship) will be available. Door prizes will be given away at the close of the event too! For a bonus prize, be sure to stop by the Visitors’ Center for a fun Museum Scavenger Hunt. Participants will get a free wildlife poster (limited quantity) and discounts on several gift gallery items (excludes hunting & fishing licenses and Charlie Elliott books).

For further information, visit www.georgiawildlife.com or call CEWC at (770) 784-3059. To get to CEWC, take I-20 to Exit 98. Travel south on Highway 11, go through Mansfield and continue three miles south to the entrance at Marben Farms Road on the left. Then follow the Outdoor Festival signs to the Discovery Area. Hope to see you there!