3rd Annual Hokie Bugfest - Saturday, October 19, 2013 at the Inn at Virginia TechHokie Bugfest is a festival to promote the fun and excitement of the science of entomology and to celebrate the legacy of William Bradford Alwood - Virginia Tech's first entomologist. This outreach event is jointly hosted by the Virginia Tech Entomology Department, Virginia 4-H, and the W. B. Alwood Entomological Society. Most of the heavy lifting, including hosting this website, involves the Alwood Society. Since its inception in 1966, this student-run professional organization has hosted over 30,000 school students through our labs and at related events in the region. Work has begun with Virginia 4-H to develop an Entomology 4-H program curriculum that will deliver knowledge and discovery throughout the year. The target audience will be 4-H and K-12 students throughout Virginia. This summer we are testing that curriculum at several 4-H bug camps and other events. The outcome of those activities will encourage students to develop projects that will be highlighted at this year's Hokie Bugfest. We encourage teachers, parents, and students to work with us as we move forward. For more information, please call (540) 231-6543 and ask for Stephanie Blevins or Mike Weaver. Attendance has grown over the past two years of the Hokie Bugfest. In 2011, we estimated attendance at a conservative 2,000. With more controlled access last year, we were able to measure more accurately -- a count of 3,600. Within the first hour we counted 736 people (360 children, 376 adults). We anticipate a larger crowd this year. We will again offer children an opportunity to earn our popular Junior Entomologist certificate this year. In 2012, 765 budding young entomologists completed an exercise with eight questions that required them to seek answers by touring the event, observing, and asking questions at the exhibits. We issued 961 applications so not everyone completed this exercise. Those who succeeded were awarded a personalized Junior Entomologist certificate, a copy of the Virginia 4-H Entomology Project Book, and a magnifier. Please contact us if you anticipate bringing a busload of attendees. We have special parking reserved for buses behind the Inn at Virginia Tech. Other details are available on this website about the event, our schedule, parking and directions, and a list of sponsors. *For groups interested in tours of the Entomology Department at other times of the year, please see the W. B. Alwood Society tour page. >>>>>>> HOKIE BUGFEST T-SHIRTS and CAPS FOR SALE <<<<<<<The W. B. Alwood Entomologitcal Society is selling Hokie Bugfest and Entomology department T-shirts and caps at the event and through the University Bookstore. The proceeds of these sales go to support this student organization. They need your help to support student service activities like the Hokie Bugfest. Please consider buying a T-shirt or cap using the link above or donating to support the event by going to www.alwoodfund.org Like us on Facebook! |
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