The 20th Alaska Bald Eagle Festival was a success, drawing 303 guests, up from 271 in 2013, said American Bald Eagle Foundation executive director Cheryl McRoberts.
A sold-out festival banquet and auction raised more than $4,500, and more than 100 spectators turned out for the release of two eagles that had been burned at an Adak dump fire a year ago. Proceeds from the auction support the foundation’s captive bird program.
McRoberts said she also was encouraged by a local business bazaar, held in conjunction with the festival, which attracted 17 retailers.
Mild weather – and several days of sunny skies – were good news for photographers during the festival, she said. “They had nice light, but they didn’t have snow they like for a backdrop, but they were happy they weren’t walking on icy sidewalks from their motel. In that sense, it was good,” McRoberts said.
One concern was that, at midweek during the festival, only one dinner restaurant in town was open. “When you have 303 people in town and only one restaurant, there’s not enough seating or food or time to feed that many people,” she said.
Soliciting local nonprofits to hold fundraiser dinners that coincide with the festival midweek is an option she may pursue, McRoberts said. “If restaurants aren’t going to be open, we need to feed these people somehow.”
Also, a shortage of rooms meant some guests for the festival had to find other accommodations midway through their visit here, she said. “A lot of people had to shuffle around.” The new Aspen Hotel going up on Main Street may alleviate such problems in the future, she said.
McRoberts also said she was open to hearing from businesses and organizations that might partner with the festival to beef up the event schedule and present festival-goers with additional attractions. Events like fun runs and wine tastings are common at similar festivals elsewhere. “I’m totally open to that,” she said.
Next year’s eagle festival will be held Nov. 9-15.