The Front Range Birding Company celebrates International Migratory Bird Day on May 3rd. A full day of activities and events will take place at the Jefferson Village/Kohl's Shopping Center from 10AM till 5PM. The raptor conservation group HawkQuest is a featured attraction from 11AM to 1PM as they present a live Bald Eagle, Great Horned Owl, Peregrine Falcon, and Harris Hawk for display. Everyone will have the chance to meet the expert raptor trainers as they present these exquisite birds of prey. They plan to actually fly a Harris Hawk outdoors in front of the attendees at 12 Noon. The Butterfly Pavilion will also attend with live exotic insects to include their famous exhibit Rosie the Tarantula.

Local artists and craftsmen will have their wares available at an outdoor crafts fair. Over 20 booths are expected for shoppers to browse for unique locally handmade gifts for Mothers Day or Fathers Day. Among the crafts available to choose from are metal sculpture, pottery, watercolor paintings, nature photography, rock and woodcarvings, fossils, and hand made cards. In addition, local park rangers, the Division of Wildlife officials, and the Audubon Society of Greater Denver will man interactive educational booths. Together they offer interesting and intriguing nature programs for both adults and children to enjoy. A big attraction in the afternoon will be a visit by the West Metro Fire department. Attendees will be able to visit with our local firemen and tour their fire truck.

At 2PM the 4th annual "Dove Race " takes place. Up to 200 white homing pigeons will be released in a fund raising effort for The Captain Jason Dahl Scholarship Fund. These homing pigeons provided by White Birds Unlimited will "race" back to their home lofts in Arvada, CO. Valuable prizes are given to the sponsors of the winning birds.

This year's first place dove sponsor will receive a Viper binocular worth over $600 supplied by Vortex Optics. The Viper was voted as "best of the best" by field and Stream Magazine in 2007. Individuals can sponsor a dove for a small contribution to The Jason Dahl Scholarship Fund. This year a silent auction for the charity will also take place. The top auction item is a 1 hour jet airliner simulator ride for four individuals in a Boeing 747, 777, 767, or 737! This item includes a tour of the United Airlines Flight Training Center and is valued at $1,000. Other action events include a hot air balloon ride over Chatfield State Park.

Jason Dahl was the Captain of United Flight 93 on 9/11/2001. Jason was a Littleton Ken-Caryl resident and an outstanding member of our local community. The brave acts that he, the United Airlines flight crew, and passengers preformed that fateful day more than 6 years ago should never be forgotten. The foundation named for him raises money for scholarships at Denver's Metro State. These scholarships provide a catalyst to help our young people today strive for and attain their hopes and dreams. Last year over $10,000 was raised at the 2007 dove race. At this year's dove race and ceremony, the president of the Captain Jason Dahl Fund David Dosch, will present this year's student winners with their scholarships.

While waiting for the race results, there will be an old fashion cookout put on by Albertson's as they provide braut's, chips, water, and soft drinks for all attendees. Big discounts on food and beverages will be available at participating restaurants in the shopping center. Abo's New York Pizza, the Squeeze Juice Bar, and the Texas Road House are providing free smoothies, pizza, and peanuts for all supporters of the Jason Dahl Scholarship Fund. Also the restaurants Qdoba, Noodles & Co, Chilis, and Chick-Fil-A are providing gift certificates for meals at the fundraiser. Petsmart will be hosting their dog adoption at the event. Live bluegrass music will be on tap in the mourning and afternoon. It promises to be a blast for the entire family!

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