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And now, something wild

If you're out of touch with nature, get familiar with it again Saturday at the national refuge in Crystal River.

By JORGE SANCHEZ
Published October 13, 2006

[Times photo (2005)]

With a sponge and some face paint, Briese Teitlman is transformed into a pink tiger at last year's "Refuge Day" celebration.

CRYSTAL RIVER - The National Wildlife Refuge Complex will host its annual "Refuge Day" celebration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The outdoors festival includes wildlife and conservation education exhibits, hands-on displays, environmental education games, a children's activities area, and live music throughout the day.

The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is at 1502 SE Kings Bay Drive, next to the Port Hotel and Marina.

A sunrise birding tour of Kings Bay begins at 7:30 a.m. Participants can hop aboard a boat and accompany an expert birder on a trip to see the many birds working the waters of Kings Bay in the early morning. Kings Bay is the headwaters of the Crystal River.

The tour is $15 and includes breakfast back at the headquarters. Space is limited; call 563-2088 to reserve a seat.

A Cherokee Indian blessing ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the main festivities beginning at 10 a.m.

Admission is free. Food and drink will be available for purchase.

Be sure to hop aboard one of the pontoon boats during the day for a free boat tour of Kings Bay. The tours will be offered hourly starting at 10:30 a.m. and run throughout the day.

Representatives from a variety of nonprofit organizations and local and state outdoor agencies will be on hand to promote Citrus County's natural resources.

For more information and directions, call Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge at 563-2088.

Other weekend events:

- Music on the Square returns to downtown Inverness on Saturday. The U.S. Navy Brass Quintet will play from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Then Kathy Jo and Cheap Thrills, a blues and jazz band, will perform from 6:30 to 9:30. Admission is free.

- The Citrus Community Band will perform at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Beverly Hills Recreation Association clubhouse, 77 Civic Circle. Admission is $6.

Jorge Sanchez covers arts and entertainment in Citrus. Contact him at sanchez@sptimes.com 860-7313 or toll free at 1-800-333-7505, ext. 7313.

[Last modified October 13, 2006, 11:43:47]