Ten thousand people visited Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge for the 10th Annual International Migratory Bird Celebration during Mothers Day Weekend. The celebration commenced Friday night with an interactive evening campfire program about colonial nesting birds. On Saturday, 40 people participated in the 5K Fun Run/Walk. Proceeds from the race, $415, were donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Eastern Virginia. On Saturday and Sunday, 1,500 people joined in the festivities under the tent which included a variety of family activities, wildlife artists, and conservation groups.

National Park Service's Gretchen Knapp presented an auditorium program on Gardening for the Birds and authors Curtis Badger, Dorothy Camagna, and Suzanne Tate were available in the Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center to sign their books and answer questions.

During the weekend, 800 people climbed to the top of the Assateague Lighthouse for a beautiful view of the island and surrounding area. Also as part of the celebration, the Historic Main Street Merchants Association sponsored an art contest for children in three age/class groups and the winners were presented with cash awards and a basket of art supplies. The three winners were Claire Peeters, Mary Christina Peeters, and Clayton Tye.

*It was a wonderful celebration," said Refuge Manager John Schroer. *Everyone not only seemed to enjoy the activities and have a good time, but to get wild about the awesome spectacle of migration."

The Refuge would like to thank all the sponsors and volunteers who helped make the event a great success.

Sally Bowden Park Ranger
CNWR