Insects and the fascinating world of bugs will take center stage from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20, when the seventh annual Bug Fest is held at Lippold Park and Red Oak Nature Center.

The free, family-friendly event will feature fun and educational attractions 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 exploration at either Red Oak or Lippold; both sites will have free guide books available, along with T-shirts, pins, lanyards and other buggy items for sale at Red Oak.

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. Space at Red Oak is for handicap parking only.

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 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 Red Oak naturalist and facility manager Margaret Gazdacka. “They’re actually pretty amazing creatures that play a huge role in nature.”

Red Oak will feature free presentations (10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon) by Terminix, and its story of “Insects and Spiders: A Wonder of Diversity.” Storm Photo Booth will be available at Red Oak for visitors to pose for photos and post to social media on-site if desired.

Local beekeeper Harry Patterson will be on hand to discuss how bees make honey and explain their important role in nature. He’ll have various items for sale, such as soap, lotions and candy, all honey-based.

Bouncetown – The Indoor Party Place – will be at Lippold with its popular bounce houses for children to enjoy. Bouncetown is also hosting the Bug Olympics – a bounce house obstacle course – at Lippold.

For more information on Bug Fest, visit www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org or call Red Oak at 630-897-1808. Guidebooks and coloring sheets can be downloaded from the website prior to the event.

About the Fox Valley Park District

The Fox Valley Park District is a dynamic and growing park district that serves a diverse population of more than 233,000 people. Recognized as an Illinois Distinguished Agency, Fox Valley holds the nation’s highest honor as a National Gold Medal Award winner for excellence in park and recreation management. Serving the communities of Aurora, Montgomery and North Aurora, the district maintains 165 parks and 48 miles of inter-connected regional trails amid 2,500 acres of parkland. For more information, visit FoxValleyParkDistrict.org or the Fox Valley Park District Facebook page.

• FEATURE PHOTO CAPTION: Insects will take center stage once again when Bug Fest returns to Lippold Park. The free family event will be staged at and between Lippold Park and Red Oak Nature Center along a one-half mile stretch of the Fox River Trail.