© 2010 Student Media
BugFest 2009, an annual tradition, took place at the Museum of Natural Sciences on Saturday.
The Museum of Natural Sciences will be holding its 14thannual Bugfest Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Jones Street, The Plaza and Edenton Street. All four floors of the museum will be utilized for the event.
Kauri Wouk, senior manager of presentations and partnerships, said it is one of Raleigh’s largest events.
“It’s the largest one day bug event in the country. It’s the museums largest event, and downtown Raleigh’s second largest event,” Wouk said.
The event is second only to downtown Raleigh’s New Years Eve event.
According to Wouk, there will be more than 80 exhibits featured at the museum including games, crafts and entomologists. Admission to the museum is free and donations are welcomed.
“The goal of the Bugfest is to educate people about arthropods, we call them bugs,” Wouk said. “Arthropods are the largest animal group in the world, they make up three quarters of the world’s animals.”
According to Wouk, six local restaurants are preparing bug dishes. Some of these restaurants include: Acro Café, Locopops, Market restaurant and Spize café.
According to Wouk, it is an opportunity to educate and have fun. The event is open to all age groups.
“There is something for everybody,” Wouk said, “It’s kid friendly, they can roll around in balls of dung and pretend to be bugs, but there will also be scientists there to elaborate.”
According to Wouk, there will be representatives from the department of natural resources and they are expecting a large turnout from local universities.
Several members of the University’s faculty will be leading presentations at the event.
Wouk said Daniel Johnson, department of clinical sciences, will be holding a presentation titled “What Makes Bugs Tick.”
“It’s not to be missed,” Wouk said. “It’s a great mixture of education and fun. You get to eat bugs, and you can’t beat that.”
Elizabeth Wait, a junior in agricultural education, said she’s excited about the event and plans to hold a few insects.
“I heard about it last year on the museum’s website. I don’t really know what to expect but I know that it’s going to be a lot of fun and I hope there are a lot of bugs you can hold.”
Allison Lee, a sophomore in political science, said she heard about the event from the University’s faculty.
“I heard about it from my Insects and People professor. I am really excited about it. I heard there are going to be a lot of people there.”