Malia Riggs
Elmore Autauga News
Creativity was flowing last Saturday at the third annual Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival. Artists from all over the River Region had their works on display all day last Saturday.
The event was presented by the Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts, known to locals as “The Kelly.”
While art was on display, there were also hands on opportunities with cooking demonstrations by Master Chef Junior winner Bryson McGlynn. McGlynn is a 12-year-old from Opelika and is locally known as the “Cheese Curd,” as he was crowned MasterChef Junior 2024 on the TV cooking series on Fox.
Alabama chef Ricky Albright also participated in classes during the festivities Saturday. Albright is a Troy resident; however, he has developed a national following through his Iron Fire cooking demonstrations on social media.
The duo had their dishes available for sample after the demonstration.
Other hands-on opportunities included a mixology seminar by Trace Barnett, host of the Garden Party on Alabama Public Television. Other demonstrations included, Goldbeck Gun Dogs, Bullseye with Bennett Archery, “Meet the Cockers” with Covey Flush, and the Alabama School of Fly Fishing.
The festival also featured an art exhibition, which began Oct. 1 and runs through Nov. 22 at The Kelly, and with a separate juried art show.
The juried art show is sponsored by the Alabama Wildlife Federation and LIV Development. Auburn graduate Jared Knox, who won the 2023 WEWA art competition, and fellow wildlife artist Sue Key were live painting in the Kelly during the festival.
Sponsors for the event include, the Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF), the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and “Build Your Own Wood Duck Box” from the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association (ALBBAA).
Soul-Grown also sponsored a tail-gate tent for the first time this year, which will allow college football fans to stay informed about Auburn’s Road game at Missouri, Alabama’s visit to Tennessee and the rest of the college football action last Saturday. The festival also included children’s activities, live music and many food and other vendors.
