The Radium Hot Springs Headbanger Festival has returned to the Valley with a stellar lineup of activities and events. This year promises to delight festival-goers with a weekend full of fun and educational workshops, dedicated to the Bighorn sheep that call the Village home.

The three day event will include a photography workshop hosted by Dax Justin, keynote dinner with Kevin Van Tighem, ‘Legends of the Forest’ with Darcee O’Hearn, animal painting with Black Star Studio from Painted Wild Invermere, and a host of other entertainment. WildSafeBC and Parks Canada will also be on hand with various activities and presentations.

‘Legends of the Forest’ is special this year and will be facilitated by children’s book author Darcee O’Hearn in an interactive style entertaining for both kids and adults. Ms. O’Hearn has created an exciting new genre of books for kids.

“Inside these wonderfully illustrated books you will find a heartwarming story, science, craft projects, games, and curriculum-based information to inspire kids aged 4-12,” she said.

The books are unique because they tackle environmental issues and focus on the necessity of sustainable and green living.

Ms. O’Hearn is a beekeeper and spent six years in the forestry industry; she has been educating the public on the natural world for more than 17 years.

Headbanger has morphed since its inception in 2004. Originally, bus-guided tours were provided to educate guests on the Bighorn sheep while treating them to a first-class visual spectacle. The Headbangers didn’t always show up for the tours, so it was decided the festival would be centred on wildlife and environmental education.

This year shutterbugs can enjoy photographic pearls of wisdom with Mr. Justin. His workshop will provide insightful tips to enhance the techniques of photographers at all levels, including how to effectively use an iPhone to capture beautiful images of wildlife in the shoulder season.

Biologist and plant ecologist Mr. Van Tighem will be sharing his expertise with guests while doing an insert on the Columbia River. He will also be presenting on local legend Ian Jack and the Columbia wetlands.

“The Bighorn sheep are pretty unique and we’re blessed to have them. Our talks focus on wild safety and reducing animal conflict and the sheep are a big focal point. It’s important to create an understanding on how to safely interact with them and to teach people the difference between the sheep and mountain goats,” said Kara Cassidy from the Tourism Radium Hot Springs Association.

Tickets are selling out fast for the festival which is scheduled to take place from November 3-5.

“We look forward to you joining us the first weekend in November for this fun-filled educational event celebrating the Bighorn sheep that call the Village of Radium Hot Springs home,” said Ms. Cassidy.

Ticket prices are broken into categories with guests being able to choose a variety of options. Tickets can be purchased online at www.radiumhotpsprings.com/headbanger, or at the Radium Visitor Centre.