Near-Record Attendance at Sandhill Crane Festival

The 35th Tennessee Sandhill Crane Festival was successful, as a near record crowd of 5,200 attended the event held Jan. 17-18 at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge, Cherokee Removal Memorial Park, and Birchwood Community Center.

This year’s edition was precipitation-free, and the attendees dressed warmly at the refuge to view sandhill cranes, waterfowl, songbirds, and the endangered whooping crane. Many TWRA staff and volunteers were on hand filling various roles to contribute. Spotting scopes were provided to allow close-up views at the refuge.