More than 8,000 people are expected to attend the sixth annual Nature Fest April 27, hosted by the master-planned community of Bridgeland in Cypress.

"We get really excited to host these events because it enables us to show the surrounding area what life is like in Bridgeland," said Lona Shipp, marketing manager for Bridgeland. "People can ride on a paddleboat, take a kayaking class and get a taste of what residents experience on a daily basis here. We want to give everyone a chance to play for the day."

Visitors will have the chance to watch animal shows, take camel and pony rides, go to a petting zoo and ride bumper boats, among other activities, during the event.

The event headliner is Brian Staples from Staples Animal Safari, a show that will feature more than 100 animals.

"Brian is a wildlife rescuer, and all his animals have a story," Shipp said. "He brings them for entertainment purposes to our event, but back in Atlanta he is rehabilitating the animals."

Staples is a third generation zoologist who has been involved in the zoo and animal training business for decades, taking care of domestic and exotic animals who need extra attention and care.

"These are animals that have unique and amazing abilities that they've developed for their own existence in the natural world," Staples said.

Visitors will also have the chance to go behind the scenes in between shows to see the animals.

"What's great about [the shows] is that they're family oriented, and it's something that everyone can see and enjoy even though it's educational," Staples said.

Event-goers will also have the opportunity to learn how to call the northern cardinal, while simultaneously potentially breaking a world record.

"My favorite element of the day is that we are going to attempt to break a Guinness World Record title for the most people bird calling," Shipp said. "We just need 802, and we are estimating 2,000 people will be there at that time."

Several food trucks will be on hand at the event, including The Golden Grill, Custom Confections, Frosted Betty and the Coney Cruiser.

Although admission to the event is free, some activities may require a small donation that benefits Habitat for Humanity Northwest Harris County. Last year, about $2,500 was raised during the event.

Nature Fest lasts from 10 a.m.–5 p.m.