4th ANNUAL BATFEST PLANNED AT LINCOLN CAVERNS

January 30, 2010

HUNTINGDON, PA, JANUARY 30, 2010: Lincoln Caverns, near Huntingdon, PA, presents its special brand of Valentine’s Weekend fun with its fourth annual BATFEST on Saturday, February 13, 2010, from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. During the five hours of informative fun, participants develop a deeper appreciation for Pennsylvania’s most fascinating mammals. This popular family event, for bat enthusiasts of all ages, features a day full of activities, cavern tours, and a pizza lunch. The day begins with bat crafts, games, and the construction of a bat house, to be awarded to a lucky participant via a random drawing. A special treat at this year’s Batfest will be a visit from Robyn Graboski, founder and director of Centre Wildlife Care. Robyn will be joined by her friends, Bernice and Buffy, two big brown bats. Ms. Graboski has been involved in wildlife rehabilitation since 1998. Her presentation promises to be both fun and informative.
          Following a pizza lunch, Batfest guests will have the opportunity to get the most up to date information about White-Nose Syndrome, a disease killing bats in the Northeastern United States. According to the Consensus Statement of the Second WNS Emergency Science Strategy Meeting, held in Austin, Texas in May, 2009: White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) is a devastating disease of hibernating bats that has caused the most precipitous decline of North American wildlife in recorded history. Information provided by Pennsylvania Game Commission, including the latest research efforts, will be presented. Lincoln Caverns has participated in education efforts, as well as raising funds for White-Nose Syndrome research since last spring.
          The highlight of the Batfest is always the visit to the caverns, Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks. The interpretive tours of two spectacular crystal caverns features history, geology, bat facts, and trivia, while offering guests plenty of time for questions and picture taking. The caverns are a comfortable 50° year round, making them the ideal place to spend a winter afternoon. Lincoln Caverns’ gift shop features a wide variety of logo items and bat gifts. Great discounts are included with Batfest tickets. A portion of each purchase during Batfest will be donated to WNS research.
          Advance tickets are required for Batfest and space is limited. Tickets may be purchased at www.lincolncaverns.com or by calling 814.643.0268.