PHOTOS: A-May-Zing Animal Fest amazes visitors
May 18, 2015
BY MARK GOODSON — The A-May-Zing Animal Fest took place on May 16 and featured multiple sites for animal interaction and education, a children’s puppet show, face painting, food truck vendors, ongoing boat tours; all beside the beauty of the Anacostia riverfront park.
A four mile boat tour cruised to the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens with a guide to point out the Great Blue Heron, Osprey, duck, beaver, deer, geese, and turtle living along the river.
Animal exhibits brought out farmers and nature lovers from all over Maryland. Donnie brought goats and chicks from his Glenn Dale farm. Alpaca Joy and her daughters Tara and Ashley came from Howard County to display an Alpaca pen. Reptile Wonders from Westminster, Walter’s Honey Farm from Lanham, and the Watkins Nature Center from Upper Marlboro all made the trip.
- The A-May-Zing Animal Fest set up shop on the Bladensburg Waterfront Park grounds. Photo courtesy Mark Goodson.
- Donnie from Glenn Dale showed how his Easter Eggers, a breed of chicken, lays eggs in an assortment of colors. Photo courtesy Mark Goodson.
- Tara and Ashley vend homemade trinkets and feed in front of the Alpaca pen. Photo courtesy Mark Goodson.
- A variety of reptiles were displayed in and out of their cages. Photo courtesy Mark Goodson.
- Beekeepers from Lanham display bee activity and sell fresh honey. Photo courtesy Mark Goodson.
- The Red-Footed Tortoise was on display courtesy of Reptile Wonders. Photo courtesy Mark Goodson.
- Families enjoy a puppet show presented by the Blue Sky Puppet Theater. Photo courtesy Mark Goodson.
- Visitors spot a Great Blue Heron on the Anacostia River tour. Photo courtesy Mark Goodson.
- Future site of a bike path extension along the Anacostia River Trail. Photo courtesy Mark Goodson.
- One of Alpaca Joy’s Alpacas gets a close-up. Photo courtesy Mark Goodson.
- Alpaca feed was for sale for one dollar. Photo courtesy Mark Goodson.
- Goats ate green grass from visitors’ hands. Photo courtesy Mark Goodson.