Explore the world of insects at Bug Fest
Insects and the fascinating world of bugs will take center stage from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, when the sixth annual Bug Fest is held at Lippold Park, Batavia and Red Oak Nature Center in North Aurora.
The free, family-friendly event will feature fun and educational experiences with a swarm of bug-related activities, demonstrations and crafts. In addition to Lippold Park and Red Oak, the event will utilize the one-half mile stretch of the Fox River Trail that connects the two facilities.
Visitors can begin their explorations at either Red Oak or Lippold; both sites will have free guide books and maps available. Additionally, T-shirts, books, snacks and other novelty items will be for sale at Lippold.
Children and adults alike will learn about the benefits of bugs and the important roles they play such as pollinating plants and flowers, aerating the soil and serving a major role in facilitating the food chain for humans.
"Bugs hold a bit of intrigue for everybody, and they're often misunderstood," said Red Oak naturalist and facility supervisor Margaret Gazdacka. "They're actually pretty amazing creatures that play a huge role in nature."
Red Oak will feature free presentations (at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 and noon) by entertainer and educator David Stokes and his "Arthropods for Fun" show. Also on hand at Red Oak will be a team of artists known as "Waxed Hands" to create wax molds of hands and babies' feet for $5.
Local beekeeper Harry Patterson will be at the Predator Pavilion to discuss how bees make honey and explain their important role in nature. Various varieties of honey will be available for sale.
At Lippold, Terminix will have an extensive bug exhibit in "The Hive," which also will have face painting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the Mealworm 500 (think bugs and racing). Displays and insect collections - including hands-on experiences with real, live bugs - will be among the highlights.
Subway will be at Lippold selling small sandwiches, chips and drinks. TCBY will have yogurt available as well. Transactions are cash only.
Parking is available at either Lippold or Schneider Elementary School (304 Banbury Road, North Aurora), with free shuttle buses running regularly between those sites and Red Oak. The Red Oak parking lot will offer handicap parking only.
For details, visit www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org or call Red Oak at (630) 897-1808. Guidebooks and coloring sheets can be downloaded from the website as well.