Families and outdoor enthusiasts are invited to take a walk on the wild side with the Big Haynes Creek Wildlife Festival, at the Georgia International Horse Park from Aug. 29-30.

The annual outdoor festival features wildlife exhibits, demonstrations, hands-on activities, local performances, children’s activities, arts and crafts.

A highlight of this year’s event includes Steve Scruggs, the Snake Master, as he presents snakes from across North America. Wildlife Wonders, as seen on The Discovery Channel, will give guests an up-close encounter with many different wild animals, while educator Carol Brown will tell Native American stories in the living history section. Guests can learn the basics of fly-fishing, archery and hunting with hands-on demonstrations provided by Venture Outdoors. The living history section will offer a glimpse of the past as re-enactors show how Creek and Cherokee Indians lived off the land and how the influence of early settlers changed their lives.

New attractions include participation from the Conyers Kennel Club and a unique, hands-on activity to promote the seeding and spreading of wildflowers.

The Conyers Kennel Club, an all breed kennel club interested in advancing the community’s knowledge on dog care, training and ownership, will provide several demonstrations over the course of the two-day festival. Sessions include clicker training and a "Meet the Breeds" stage show as well as discussions such as the "Meet the Vet" session with Dr. Mark Dennis of the Dennis Veterinary Clinic.

"We’re really excited about being part of this year’s festival and promoting responsible dog ownership since we’ll soon be celebrating Responsible Dog Ownership Month in September," said Erin Mayfield of the kennel club. "We’ll also be awarding select middle-school students from Rockdale and Newton counties on superior essays received during the club sponsored ‘Responsible Dog Ownership’ essay contest."

The Conyers Green Team, a group of city employees fostering the idea of green and sustainability practices among city employees and citizens, has partnered with Rockdale County Extension and their Master Gardeners Program to promote
wildflowers.

Admission to the festival is $5 per person with children ages four and under free. Free parking is available just across from the festival entrance. Visit the Big Haynes Creek Wildlife Festival Web site at www.bighaynescreekwildlifefestival.com for more information.