Third annual Bug Bizarre draws more than 535 to learn about pollinators, garden insects, pests, more

The third annual Henrico Bug Bizarre, a family-oriented event that celebrates the fun and excitement of the science of entomology, was declared another success by participants and sponsors.

More than 535 people attended the three-hour event held Saturday, Oct. 8, at Deep Run Park Recreation Center. This was an increase from last year’s attendance of 412. As in previous years, almost half the attendees – 251 — were children. Another 57 people, including Henrico Master Gardener volunteers, worked the event.

“I know as I walked around, it seemed that until the very end most everyone was always busy during the event,” said Ed Olsen, Henrico County Extension Agent. “The main purpose of the event was to raise people’s awareness about bugs and bug-related issues, and we nailed that!”

A total of 29 exhibits included information on pollinators, garden insects, forest pests, public health and more. Live insect displays included the fan favorite, Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches, and, new in 2022, a forensic entomology booth.

Junior Master Gardeners offered children three activities focusing on insects and animals in the pumpkin patch: kids made spider hats with many wiggly eyes and eight legs, decorated bats with folded wings, and made bees out of pipe cleaners and craft sticks.

Along with these handcraft activities, children could examine a display of caterpillars and other insects and take home coloring sheets. Informative articles about insects in the pumpkin patch were available to be downloaded through QR codes.

WRIC/Richmond did a follow-up story which can be viewed here.

The Henrico Bug Bizarre was one of five bug-centric events hosted this fall by Virginia Cooperative Extension. Others were held in Montgomery County, Virginia Beach, Pulaski County and Radford. Click here for more information.

Next year’s Henrico Bug Bizarre has already been scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, at Deep Run Recreation Center.

Scroll through the gallery below to view photos of the 2022 Bug Bizarre: