By Susan Monteleone
NARROWSBURG — January 17, 2006 – Even though the weather was foggy and rainy, a large number of people made it a point to visit downtown Narrowsburg for Eaglefest 2006.
Prior to the ever-popular viewing of birds, there were numerous presentations to supporters of Eaglefest.
Eaglefest organizers John and Yoke DiGiorgio were credited for their outstanding work.
John DiGiorgio responded, "We are committed to increasing the awareness and understanding and the promoting of the conservation of our wildlife and protecting our natural environment. Today we are proud of everyone who has come out, and none of this would be possible without the support of the many businesses and community members here today."
NYS Senator John Bonacic added, "John and Yoke have done a great job, and Eaglefest gets better and better each year. There are many educational programs here today, and there truly is something here for everyone. It is a tourist attraction for Narrowsburg, and it just keeps getting better. I cannot believe five years have already passed.
“As far as I am concerned, Narrowsburg is the Eagle Capital of the State of New York."
Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther added, "It is a pleasure to be here, and it is great to see so many people here taking advantage of so many things. The New York Assembly supports all of your efforts."
Also on hand was Sullivan County Legislature Chair Chris Cunningham, who noted, "There is no better way to come together than to celebrate Eaglefest. The eagle is our national bird, and this is a great day to celebrate our national bird."
Town of Tusten Supervisor Ben Johnson remarked, "It is great to see so many people here today and enjoying all the events. The volunteers have truly done a great job, and the DiGiorgios have done a great job, and I know they will continue to do so.”
After the dedication ceremony, the Narrowsburg gym was packed full with eager spectators who wanted to see a vast array of birds, including a bald eagle as presented by Bill Streeter of the Delaware Valley Raptor Center of Milford, Pennsylvania.
Streeter presented a vast array of birds that have been given to his center due to injuries from gun shots, motor vehicles or human error.
Streeter added, "Many of our birds come to us because they are hurt, and we cannot return them back to the wild because they will not survive it. A few of my birds have wing damage and they cannot fly, so we train them for educational shows."
Also at Eaglefest were numerous free exhibits, movies, presentations and ice carvings that lined Narrowsburg’s Main Street.