Saturday, Sept. 3 — QUECHEE — Lords and Ladies all are invited to celebrate the Sport of Kings—falconry. Experience the history, language, and traditions of this 3,000-year-old practice of hunting alongside a trained raptor. Join us for our flighted raptor programs, practice your archery skills and settle in for a picnic lunch with local band, As the Crow Flies, playing nearby. You’ll even meet a modern-day falconer from New England Falconry. Costumes are encouraged. Activities will be offered all day.
Crafts Fit for a King: What is a lord without a crown? Take a seat and craft your very own crown or necklace inspired by nature.
Medicinal Plants of the Meadow – Self Guided Signs: Wildflowers are not only beautiful – they’re useful. Learn about the ways plants were used throughout history with this self-guided tour through the meadow.
Schedule:
- 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. / Fairy Hunts / Neale Pavilion Overhang. Visit the Fairy Court to begin your quest. Follow the signs to find a hidden fairy friend and learn about the plants and animals that you encounter along the way.
- 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. / Meet the Artist: Jennifer MaHarry / Neale Pavilion (E). Fine art photographer Jennifer MaHarry channels her love of wildlife into images that capture the spirit of each subject.
- 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. / Live Trebuchet Demonstrations / Thetford Stone. Take part in a medieval siege and watch our 7-foot tall trebuchet in action.
- 11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. / The Sport of Kings – Falconry / Hawkfly. Meet these most-renowned hunters from the sky in our program featuring birds of prey in flight.
- 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Meet a Falconer / Area beside Reptile Room Meet a licensed Vermont falconer and the birds of New England Falconry.
- 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. / Archery Demonstration. Try your hand at this vital skill of survival and defense with our master archers. Meet on the hour at Nature Store, limited 12 archery spots; first come, first served.
- 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. – Troubadour Hour / August Pavilion. Grab lunch as local band, As the Crow Flies, plays music.
- 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Owls in Myth and Legend / Hawkfly. Omens of death or creatures of wisdom?
- 2 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Scales and Serpents / Hawkfly. Come wonder at the scaly creatures that live around us.
- 3 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – The Sport of Kings – Falconry / Hawkfly. Meet these most-renowned hunters from the sky.
- 4:30 p.m. – Hawk on the Walk / Forest Canopy Walk. Join a VINS educator and our Harris’ Hawk, Chesterland, as he flies among the trees in the canopy.
For more information, call: 802.359.5000 or email: info@vinsweb.org.
