Whether you’re looking to conquer a phobia or add to a collection, the annual Insect Fair has something for everyone. Insects from around the world will be swarming the Bronco Student Center on Oct. 20 & 21, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The fair will feature insects of all shapes and sizes, with attractions such as cockroach races and beehives. Vendors will sell insect-related apparel, toys, jewelry and artwork.
Christopher Arend, a fifth-year plant science major and president of the Agricultural Biology Club, says insects sometimes get a bad rap and he hopes to challenge the stereotypes.
“It’s funny, a lot of people have some sort of insect phobia,” Arend says. “We try to educate them on the common misconceptions about insects. We tell them about how important insects are to the world.”
Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for students and children ages 3 to 12. Children under 2 are admitted free. Free parking is available in lots K, B and C.
For 26 years the Insect Fair has pulled in large crowds, from avid collectors to curious students, and the proceeds go to a good cause. Students from the Agricultural Biology Club help run the fair, and the profits pay for educational club trips all around the world. Students travel abroad to study, collect and catalogue foreign insects, as well as visit museums and universities. In the past, the club has traveled to New Zealand, Costa Rica, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia; this year, they hope to go to Peru.
The Insect Fair is the same weekend as the annual Pumpkin Festival, held at the Farm Store.