IF YOU GOTennessee Sandhill Crane FestivalWhen: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.Where: Birchwood Elementary School, 5623 Highway 60, and Hiwassee Refuge (Highway 60 between Dayton and Cleveland; signs will be posted).Admission: Free.Phone: 931-484-9571, 615-799-8095, 931-648-0911.Website: www.tncranefestival.org.
Dinner with AudubonWhen: 7:30 p.m. Saturday; reception and silent auction start at 6:30 p.m.; Brian “Fox” Ellis program follows at 8:15 p.m.Where: Rhea County Welcome Center, 107 Main St., Dayton, Tenn.Admission: $27 (cost of a TWRA hunting and fishing license).Phone: 615-831-9311, ext. 115.Website: www.tncranefestival.org.
The Tennessee Sandhill Crane Festival will draw the expected flocks of birds and birdwatchers this weekend, but this year’s event has an added attraction.
Storyteller and author Brian “Fox” Ellis will offer a portrayal of noted author and conservationist John James Audubon during a dinner Saturday night at the Rhea County Welcome Center. Assuming the persona of Audubon, Ellis will discuss history, ecology, art and literature.
Ellis also will deliver talks and a workshop Saturday and Sunday at the two sites where festival events take place.