Saturday, July 25, 2009

Venture Outdoors Family Fest hosts Fun with Bugs!

Date and Time: 25 July, 2009 (12 to 4 pm)
Place : Mellon Park, Pittsburgh.
Ages : All ages

Oh boy did it pour! There was a decent turnout despite the poor weather and we received about 200 visitors. About 85 choco chirpies were consumed, with many kids coming back for more. The Roach Races were the highlights of the Fest. There were 46 roach 'adoptions' for the 3 races held to crowds of 30 people each time. Enigma the 'underdog racer' won all three races, and 13 prices were awarded to those who picked Enigma. The Bug Petting Zoo was one station where visitors learnt about Giant Millipedes. I feel it is important they know that these bugs are beneficial, harmless, and ‘good bugs’. I wanted visitors to overcome misperceived fear of bugs, know that there are ‘good bugs’, and touch a bug. Winner of the 'Leg's Guess Contest' was Ahmed Mansour who took home a grand prize of 1 VO family pass, 2 t-shirts and a cap. Prizes were also mailed to winners of the Bug Art Competition. Thanks to all the volunteers!

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Children's Museum of Pittsburgh hosts Fun With Bugs!

Date and Time: 11 July 2009 (12.30 - 3.30 pm)
Place : Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, 10 Children's Way, Pittsburgh
Ages : All ages

This half-day program sponsored by the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh was an absolutely fantastic time for children and their parents. Children loved petting Archie the giant millipede and Madagascar Hissing Roaches. The "Leg's Guess Contest" winner was Gabbi M. who received a free adult & child pass to CMP and an insect collecting kit. Choco chirpie vendor for the day, Angela Seals (CMP program director) sold 150 crickets! Mmmm. The two roach races were held to a full capacity crowd of 100 each time and the atmosphere was electrifying as participants cheered on their roach choices. Barbaro and Big Mama won the 1st and 2nd race respectively and 60 prizes were given out to the 'adoptive' winners. Thanks so much to veteran bug wrangler volunteer Tristan Laux, and Angela Seals for giving Fun with Bugs the opportunity to visit the CMP.