Anyone who was at the Snider Agricultural Arena between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday knew what the buzz was about.
The Great Insect Fair, sponsored by the entomology department in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, drew about 200 insect enthusiasts to observe insects, interact with specialists and engage in various insect-related activities.
While many adults attended the fair, most were accompanied by children excited about the variety of live and dead insects on display.
"They liked holding the different bugs," said Becky McGee, referring to her two young sons. "We homeschool our sons and are using it as an educational day for them."
The main arena held more than 50 bug displays and insect collections, each providing information on the critters. Other activities included putt-putt golf, the insect petting zoo, insect-related Bingo games, honey testing, candle making and face painting.
One table display, hosted by Scott Feaster, a sales representative for the Ehrlich Pest Control Company, had multiple wooden cases of dead insects.
"We are a supporter of the insect fair," Feaster said. "We've worked very closely with the entomology department."
Another display, shown by Pat Lace, exhibited the University of Kansas Monarch Watch Waystation, a project designed to help monarch butterflies on their long migration trips.
"We will tag and release monarchs for their migration trip to Mexico. We tag at least 100 butterflies a year," Lace said.
By tagging the monarchs, members of the Waystation project can track the success of the butterflies at various points of their migration paths.
Linlyn Chow (junior-business) volunteered at the fair, noting it helps raise awareness about the importance of insects.
"I don't think people realize how important bugs are to society," Chow said.
Beyond being educational, the fair provided much amusement for children.
"My little boy was really excited about the cockroach races," said Tionni Wenrich.
Among the live performers was Tom Cornwell, who sang educational songs about bugs and insects.
Hungry visitors could stop by the Insect Deli and try an interesting assortment of food such as cheese and salsa tamales with meal worms or seek a more conventional meal -- such as hamburgers, drinks and ice cream -- at the food stand.
