“Imagine walking around with a big toenail on your head.”
That’s how Parks Canada interpreter Nathan Heidecke described the life of a bighorn sheep, eliciting disgusted looks and giggles from a group of young girls, who took turns holding a sheep’s horn.
Heidecke was on the Visitor Information Centre lawn, providing insight into some of the animals that live in Jasper National Park, July 19, as part of the annual celebration of Canada’s national and provincial parks.
His booth was just one of many attractions that brought hundreds of visitors and locals to Parks Day. There was everything from canine search-and-rescue demonstrations to musical performances, arts and crafts stations and rock climbing, as well as a barbecue fundraiser.
Parks Day was created in 1990 and has since been celebrated in all of Canada’s parks on the third Saturday of July. Each year in Jasper, it is organized by the Friends of Jasper National Park—a registered charity dedicated to promoting understanding, appreciation and respect for the natural and cultural heritage of the park.
N. Veerman photos
