Plenty of ‘hands-on’ for all ages

If it’s hands-on activity you’re looking for during the Wings ‘N Water Festival has plenty in addition to crafts and food.
Wrap your hands around a fishing rod or release a diamond back terrapin into the back-bay. Venture into the marsh for a walk and scavenger hunt.
Take a cruise through the back-bay on the Skimmer, or stay on shore to cheer for the black, yellows and chocolate Labradors, raised by Jeff and Barbara Hart of Canal Side Kennels to retrieve the Dusky Mallards who frequent the fresh water ponds near the Garden State Parkway every fall.
Learn the art of fly casting! Casting for Recovery, a national non-profit support and educational program for women who have or have had breast cancer will be available for fly casting demonstrations throughout the weekend.
“We’ve also introduced many youngsters to the art of trout fishing at the festival’s fly casting clinics, and I have the postcards from Montana, Oregon, and Wyoming to prove it,” said Kurt Schmid, who will be working alongside Casting for Recovery for additional demonstrations.
Crafters will find plenty under the big tent set up on the front lawn of the Wetlands Institute where handmade fine crafts, such as birdhouses, baskets, clothing, jewelry, and pottery are featured. There’s a food court featuring everything from hot dogs to fresh fish, and accompanied by folk music.
Older visitors can experience the distinctive taste South Jersey’s ecosystem produces by sampling wines cultivated in the area. Local vineyards will participate in a wine-tasting exhibit Sept. 19-20, from noon to 4 p.m. at The Wetlands Institute.
Shuttle service is available for travel between Festival sites in Avalon, Stone Harbor and the Wetlands Institute.
The Wetlands Institute is a non-profit organization that promotes appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of wetlands and coastal ecosystems through our programs in research, education, and conservation.
It is supported in part through a grant from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism (www.Visitnj.org)
For more information, visit www.wetlandsinstitute.org.