SOCORRO, N.M. —

The annual Festival of the Cranes, a unique and immensely popular event, is the latest victim of the monthlong-plus government shutdown.

In what would have been its 36th year, the festival was scheduled for Dec. 3-7 at the Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge near Socorro.

But for the same reason National Parks, monuments and other federally preserved properties across the country have been closed, the shutdown would prevent those who work at the refuge from having access to needed resources.

The festival celebrates the annual migration of Sandhill cranes and other bird species and includes tours, workshops and other events.

Refuge managers said those who wish to support the festival may make a donation online to friendsofbosquedelapache.org/gt22/.

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