Submitted Photo Audubon Community Nature Center’s Snowflake Festival on Saturday, February 5, has an abundance of fun opportunities both inside and outdoors.

The Audubon Community Nature Center will host its 40th annual Snowflake Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5.

This year’s celebration will have timed entry. Register for an arrival time between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., then enjoy the festival at one’s own pace.

Outdoors there will be can experience nature hikes, backyard games, a bonfire with s’mores, snowshoeing and a mini skating rink (if the weather cooperates), Franklin’s Kettle Corn, food and hot drinks by 3 C’s food truck, and the nature play area with its giant concrete 12-foot long turtle and 14-foot spotted salamander.

Indoors those attending can craft a walking stick, make fairy creature friends from natural materials, build a nest box in the maintenance shop, visit with Master Gardeners from Chautauqua and Warren Counties, get up close and personal with live animals, watch demonstrations of wool spinning, knitting and maple tapping, and browse the Blue Heron Gift Shop. Staff members of the Prendergast Library will be ina ttendance with STEM activities and free books. Basket giveaways include a wooden burl bowl, Keurig coffee maker, wine and chocolate package, and handmade upcycled sweater mittens.

Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for Nature Center members and children 3 to 15, and free for ages 2 and under. There is plenty of free parking.

Register for an arrival time between 10 a.m. and 3:20 p.m. by calling 716-569-2345 or clicking through “Upcoming Programs” at AudubonCNC.org.

Volunteers are still needed for both indoor and outdoor jobs, from helping with crafts to tending a fire, kitchen tasks, and operating the elevator. Those who can help at the 9:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. or 1 to 4 p.m. shift can call Tina Preston, Audubon volunteer coordinator, at 716-569-2345 or email tpreston@auduboncnc.org. Volunteers will receive access to the hospitality room and free admission to the festival before or after your shift.

For their part in making the Snowflake Festival possible, event sponsors include United Refining/Kwik Fill of Warren, Pa., Buffamante Whipple Buttafaro, P.C., and Courier Capital, LLC.

In addition to business sponsors, Audubon Community Partners provide essential support by contributing $2,000 or more. Current Audubon Community Partners include: Curt and Susie Westrom, Bob Frucella’s Tax Service, Carnahan-Jackson Foundation, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Holmberg Foundation, Hultquist Foundation, Jessie Smith Darrah Fund, Lenna Foundation, Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation, Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, Hal and Mary Conarro, Univera Healthcare, and Whirley-Drinkworks.