UTICA — The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will host its annual Wildlife Festival on Saturday, Sept. 10. The festival will be held rain or shine at the John S. Dyson New York Energy Zone, 35 Utica Zoo Way, and the neighboring Utica Zoo between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Admission and parking for the festival are free. Shuttles will be available from the Parkway Recreation Center and Mohawk Valley Community College’s Payne Hall.

“It’s a pleasure to play host to this family-friendly event for the Mohawk Valley,” said Joseph Caruso, NYPA community relations manager. “The Energy Zone is the perfect place to have fun and learn more about the past, present and future of electricity in New York.”

In addition to the attractions the New York Energy Zone and Utica Zoo typically offer, the family-friendly Wildlife Festival will also feature:

• Music.

• A truck display from the NYPA line

• The Utica Children’s Museum’s mobile museum.

• Magic performed by Jim Okey.

• Mark Tyoe’s chainsaw sculptures

• An electric vehicle display.

• Face painting.

• A special appearance by Naudie from the Utica Comets.

The New York Energy Zone is a free, interactive, state-of-the-art museum designed for visitors of all ages that guides guests on a powerful journey through the past, present and future of electricity. Visits to the 15,000-square-foot facility kick off with an eye-popping 3-D movie, directed by legendary filmmaker Douglas Trumbull, about famed inventor Nikola Tesla and his contributions to modern electricity systems.

The film sets the stage for more than 40 interactive displays and games designed to teach visitors about energy and electricity in New York State, including unique exhibits that simulate flying a drone to inspect power transmission lines, controlling electricity on a model energy grid, operating a simulated power plant, and building a table-top micro power grid, among others.

The Energy Zone is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The facility is located on Utica Zoo Way, adjacent to the Utica Zoo. Group tours are encouraged to call 315-792-8720 or email energyzone@nypa.gov to reserve a tour. Walk-ins are welcome.