·        November 9, 2024 10:00 am - 4:30 pm

Edward Medard Conservation Park

6140 Turkey Creek Road, Plant City, FL 33567

The Raptor Center of Tampa Bay would like to extend a invitation to you to the sixth annual Wonders of Wildlife Festival, which will be held on November 09, 2024 from 10 A.M. to 4:30P.M. at Edward Medard Conservation park.

 With rehabilitation and education as our main focus, the Raptor Center of Tampa Bay is passionate about educating and inspiring the next generation of nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and conservation champions so that we will all be able to enjoy Florida’s diverse wildlife in the future.

 The Wonders of Wildlife Festival will provide guests with the unique opportunity to see some of Florida’s native species up close; birds of prey, skunks, an albino opossum, snakes, tortoises and more, demonstrations, wildlife programs, live animal presentations, artists, exhibits, and hands-on activities while learning about sustainability, conservation efforts, and threats to our wildlife.

 Festival tickets will be $20 each for adults and children 8- 18 years is 8.00m kids under 8 old will be given free entry when accompanied by an adult. Proceeds from the festival will help the Raptor Center of Tampa Bay continue its conservation efforts,

Saving the Planet One Child at a time!

 What can you expect to see?

These are just a few of over 60 stops including exhibits, artists, food, kids crafts, shows and much more.

Bizbie Priori will be back. Come watch her work

Camp Bayou and Paleo Fossil Museum Preserve - Did you know we had a Fossil Museum in the area? Learn all about it.

Enviornmental Protection Agency of Hillsborough County

Florida Muscovy Duck Sanctuary will be there with live ducks.

Friends of Tampa Bay Refuges - Come stop by and find out about national wildlife refuges and nature.

FWC - skulls, taxidermy coyote and bobcat, pelts field equipment and other wild animal related stuff.

Hillsborough County ELLAP information about parks, like Medard Park and how the land is managed through prescribed fire.

JT’s Reptiles - Come see some great reptiles, scorpions, tarantulas and much more.

Live Birds of Prey - Meet Puck, The Crested Caracara her two sidekicks, Moon Pie and Carmin that are Eastern Screech Owls. Get your picture taken with a live bird. .

Manatee Viewing Center - Come hear all about how manatees are tracked and why the manatee rely on the canal by Big Ben Powerplant in the winter.

Marsh Wetlands and Sandhill Cranes - Learn the four types of wetlands and why they are critical for our wildlife. Learn how to make an origami crane, and get your picture taken with a big plush alligator!

Mermaid Zone - You can put on a mermaid tail and take selfies in front of our ocean back drop. There are several fun things to do in the mermaid zone,

Ocean Conservation - Learn what manatees and mermaids have in common.  Do you know what animals are endangered in our oceans and what you can do to help?  You may even get to meet a live mermaid! And you just may get your picture with her!

Photo Back Drops and Selfie Stations - Be prepared to be silly!  We have a variety of backdrops and selfie photos where you and your friends can hang out and have fun.  Come get your face painted! 

The Kids Zone - Ocean and Owl crafts and get our own unique coloring pages.

Tampa Audubon Society - Join them for a bird walk prior to the festival. See and hear all about what’s happening locally with Audubon.

The Raptor Center Booth - Come and meet our new Animal Ambassadors

The Rookery - See how we put baby birds back up in nests.  Play Barn Owl Bean Bag Toss, see real birds' nests and learn all about baby owls.

Face Painting - Have fun with a small cute or full-face painting!

Seaside Seabird Sanctuary - They will have a variety of live birds of prey and information on the sanctuary.

This is an event you don't want to miss!

Vendors

We are closed for additional vendors. If you missed this year, please sign up for another one of our events.

You can download a vendor application,

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:  You can pay by check, PayPal, Zelle, Venmo or Apple Pay.

 Booths are approximately 10' x 10'.  Tents, tables and chairs are not provided. You will need to bring your own equipment. This is an outdoor event so there is no power or in-door sites available. Booths are $75.00 if you are selling goods. For non-profit vendors not selling goods booths are $35.00.  Anyone cancelling prior to October 11 will be charged a $10.00 cancellation fee. After October 11th, there will be no refunds for cancellations. We must receive your payment by October 11 to be included in our program.  

We will assign booths during the week prior to the event and communicate that via email.

 If you were a vendor in our first Wonders of Wildlife Festival, the 2019 rate of $50.00 will apply again for this year's festival.

 We are a family centered event. We encourage you to have an activity people can participate in.  If you need ideas, contact our event team. We will be setting up a Migration Station Activity where people go through 24 "Stops" along a migratory path. If you would like to participate in this activity, it just involves you putting up one of the stops along the way in your booth, let us know.