Celebrate world of insects at Bug Fest

You'll pardon the people at Lippold Park this weekend if they seem a little buggy.

Some might seem a little jumpy as insects and bugs take center stage at Fox Valley Park District's eighth annual Bug Fest. But those fascinated by bees, butterflies and the like will find lots to explore at the fest from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at the park north of Red Oak Nature Center on Route 25 in Batavia.

The free, family-friendly, stroller-friendly event will feature fun and educational attractions with a swarm of bug-related activities, demonstrations and crafts.

Visitors begin their exploration at Lippold Park, where free guide books will be available, along with T-shirts, pins, lanyards and other buggy items for sale. Children can earn prizes for visiting Bug Fest stations.

Children and adults alike will learn about the benefits of bugs and the roles they play, such as pollinating plants and flowers, aerating the soil and connecting the food chain for humans.

"Bugs hold a bit of intrigue for everybody, but they're often viewed as nothing more than pests," said Margaret Gazdacka, Red Oak naturalist and facility manager. "They're actually pretty amazing creatures that play a huge role in nature."

Patterson Farms will have local beekeepers on hand to discuss how bees make honey and explain their roles in nature. The organization also will have various honey-based items for sale, including soap, lotions and candy.

Other vendor guests scheduled to attend include Butterflies Are Everywhere, Kane County Audubon, Morton Arboretum, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Cross Exotics, which will feature live animals.

Interactive play featuring story time with "Charlotte's Web" begins at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., with Bug Bash Music at 10 and 11 a.m. and at noon.

Parking is available at Schneider Elementary School, 304 Banbury Road, North Aurora, with free shuttle buses running regularly from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For information on Bug Fest - and to download a guidebook/map and coloring sheet - visit foxvalleyparkdistrict.org. For specific questions, contact Red Oak at (630) 897-1808.