In response to public comments, Raptors Wild Inc., the nonprofit hosting the Wings Over the Rockies educational bird show at the La Plata County Fairgrounds in Durango, has lowered its prices for the show.
The Durango Herald published a front-page story about the raptor show earlier this week. Mike Fauteaux, president of Raptors Wild Inc., said he received a lot of responses from people saying the cost of the show was too high, especially for people bringing multiple children.
The new cost of the show is $16 for adults and children 13 and older, $10 for children ages 6 to 12, and children younger than 6 years old may attend free. The show previously cost $20 for adults and children 13 and older, $16 for children ages 6 to 12, and children younger than 6 could attend free.
The original prices were determined after Raptors Wild Inc. contacted other organizations that host similar shows around the country.
Fauteaux said he wants people to see the show and not be restricted by cost.
“I don’t want to over-price the show; I want everyone to see the show,” he said.
He reminded residents and visitors that Raptors Wild Inc. is a nonprofit, but it must cover its costs.
Fauteaux said the show sold 175 tickets for two shows Wednesday, the day after the Herald published its feature story. Previously, the shows had been averaging 10 to 15 people per show. If attendance stays high, Fauteaux said the show will be able to run until its scheduled end date in August.
Several groups have reached out since the Herald story, including the Boys & Girls Club of La Plata County, which is scheduled to bring about 80 kids to the show later this summer.
“It’s great when we have a group that can come in,” Fauteaux said.
bmandile@durangoherald.com
