Bugs, they’re not just for kids anymore

They creep, they crawl, they fly and sometimes they even bite. They’re bugs of all varieties and they’ll be the featured “guests” at the third annual Insecta-Palooza event at Sonoma State University later this month.
Everything from ladybugs to beetles, butterflies to boll weevils will be on display during a day crammed full of fun for both kids and adults alike. In fact, it’s the adults that Frederique Lavoipierre wants to bring in the door. As the student engagement coordinator Lavoipierre is buggy for bugs which is helpful considering she also handles entomology outreach. Of Insecta-Palooza she says there are dozens of workshops and presentations about basic bugs, garden allies, habitat gradens and more that are perfectly suited to gardeners of all shapes, sizes and ages.

“I want people to have fun at this event but to also leave with a feeling for the role that insects have for maintaining life on this planet,” said Lavoipierre.

This year’s theme, metamorphosis, brings with it interactive exhibits, engaging activities and seminars that explore a broad swath of entomology, from insectivores to medical entomology, garden insects, and aquatic invertebrate.

Insecta-Palooza is a benefit for the Entomology Outreach Program at SSU. The event is largely made possible through the considerable efforts of SSU students, who assemble many of the exhibits and volunteer on the day of the event to provide a top-notch experience.

The event takes place on Saturday, October 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Darwin Hall on the SSU campus, 1801 East Cotati Avenue, Rhonert Park. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students, seniors and alumni and just $2 for children under 12. And children under 12 who arrive with a self-written poem receive entry free of charge.
For more information, call 664.2733 or visit sonoma.edu/preserves/insecta-palooza