The Wild America Nature Festival, which takes place this Friday through Sunday at Panama Rocks, has not been held since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Events will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. all three days and will include food and craft vendors along with other entertainment.

“We have over 30 vendors this year,” said Jonathan Weston, owner and manager of Panama Rocks. “We have nature arts and crafts vendors, and an arts and crafts show. These include painters, ceramics, weavers and a blacksmith.”

There will also be a farmer’s market involving local businesses during the festival, including vendors such as Aber’s Acres, the Panama Bee Farm, Good Grass Farms, Royal Fern Nursery and The Herb Garden on Sunday.

Food vendors for this year’s event include Camaraderie Barbeque — featuring Sontheimer’s Bakery products — from Erie; Labyrinth Press Company from Jamestown; Crown Street Roasting from Jamestown; Superfresh Organic Cafe from Brattleboro, Vermont; and the Clymer Central School Food Truck on Friday only.

Artist Carol Rak is pictured at her booth at a previous Wild America Nature Festival.

“Every food vendor we require to have at least one dish that is local to the area,” Weston said. “I really like that they highlight some of the wonderful food we have in this area.”

Other festival entertainment range over a variety of activities. Notable activities include nature walks and talks, hawk shows and Jeff Musial, the animal guy.

“He’s been here for this a few times, and he rescues and presents endangered animals in a very educational way,” Weston said. “We also have Hawk Creek and Jonathan Clarkson coming to do hawk demonstrations.”

Country musician Holly Abers, Folk musicians Davis and Eng, and Indy musician Velvet Waves will provide music at the event. The Audubon Community Nature Center will be providing a play area for kids.

Weston said Panama Rocks is excited to again host the festival.

Pictured is Jeff Musial, who will be presenting at this year’s festival.

“We’re very excited,” Weston said. “We haven’t been able to have the event since 2019. We’ve had people tell us how much they love the event, and we’ve only ever had good feedback. That being said, it’s a big undertaking and we’re also a little bit nervous, again because we haven’t had it in two years.”

Additionally, Weston said they are still looking for volunteers, especially for Friday. Volunteers get a free day pass and T-shirt. The event is sponsored by the nonprofit 5 & 2 Ministry.

“It’s a great charity that provides food to hungry kids and we’re proud to support it,” Weston said. “All funds raised will be going to them.”

Overall, Weston said he is most excited about the ability for the event to highlight local nature.

“I love that this event has something for kids and adults,” he said. “It inspires people to go out and see the awesome nature that is out there, including what’s right outside our door.”

Tickets can be bought online before the end of the day on Wednesday or at the event. For tickets and a full schedule of events visit www.wildamericafest.com.