Insects and the fascinating world of bugs will take center stage from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19, when the eighth annual Bug Fest is held at Lippold Park, one-half mile north of Red Oak Nature Center on Route 25.

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

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

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 special Bug Fest stations.

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.”

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

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

Interactive play featuring story time with Charlotte’s Web and Bug Bash Music will host story times at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., with music at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon.

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

• FEATURE PHOTO CAPTION: Insects will take center stage once again when Bug Fest returns Aug. 19. The free family event will be staged at Lippold Park, located on Route 25, one-half mile north of Red Oak Nature Center.

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. Connected by the Fox River, our communities are tied together by the District’s commitment to promote vibrant, healthy lifestyles through fun and safe recreation opportunities that are environmentally and fiscally responsible. The Fox Valley Park District… Where Fun Begins!

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