Insectival Event Promises to be Creepy, Crawly

SAN BERNARDINO>> Visitors of all ages can take a hands-on journey into the world of bugs at the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands during Insectival on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 29 and 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All Insectival activities are included with paid museum general admission. The community is invited to explore the fascinating world of arthropods — insects, arachnids, myriapods and more. Family fun activities include insect games, take-home creepy-crawly craft creations, insect stories and activities and live insect encounters in the museum’s courtyard and Exploration Station. Special guests will be on hand to display and answer questions about beneficial insects and pests. Volunteers will be on hand to talk about visitors’ favorite Exploration Station critters—roaches, spiders, centipedes and more. For even more excitement, visitors can root for their favorite speedster in the cockroach races. “Insectival has always been one of our most popular events,” said Museum Director Melissa Russo. “This year we moved it from the springtime to Halloween weekend so visitors can get into the creepy-crawly spirit.” At the museum store visitors can purchase a variety of insect-related merchandise, from the ever-popular icky rubber bugs to insect books, toys and posters. Lunch and snacks will be available for sale so museum guests can come early and plan to stay all day. Insectival and the County Museum’s other exciting events and exhibits reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture, and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors. The San Bernardino County Museum is at 2024 Orange Tree Lane, at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $10 for adults, $8 for military members or seniors, $7 for students and $5 for children aged 5 to 12. Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. Parking is free and the museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org.