Butterflies bring a crowd to Paris, Mount Magazine

 

story and photos by Ruby Dean
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Hundreds gathered in downtown Paris and Mount Magazine State Park for the 14th annual Mount Magazine International Butterfly Festival held Friday and Saturday (June 25-26).

The festival included free children’s activities, camel and pony rides, an art show and sale, photo contest, quilt contest, live butterfly conservatory, Miss Butterfly pageant, arts and crafts vendors, and live entertainment with hands-on activities for children of all ages at Mount Magazine State Park.

The festival was not just about having a good time, but also about learning. Children participating in the activities at Mount Magazine State Park were given the opportunity to have fun and learn about butterflies, and other insects and critters.

Entomologist Lori Spencer played games and introduced the children to bugs. “Who Wants to Be a “Bugologist,” a spinoff of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, was a hit with the kids. This was the 10th anniversary of this game that challenged the children’s insect knowledge, and yes parents enjoyed participating also.

During the hands-on activities for the children, park interpreters were also available to help the children search for insects for an “insectigation” where they investigated different insects, including a cockroach which they were allowed to hold (yuck).

Five different stations were set up for the children ranging in ages 4-14. The younger children (4-6) were the “larva” explorers. They were given a booklet with coloring pages and games about butterflies, moths, and other insects.

Ages 7-14 were the “butterfly” explorers and given a self-directed booklet for children curious about the natural world and who liked a challenge. Upon completing five of the seven activities, they took the “pollinator pledge” and received a special badge and certificate.

The “metamorphosis” explorer was available for children and adults who had received their “butterfly” explorer badge and certificate either this year or during past festivals. This booklet contained more challenging self-directed activities. If their “metamorphosis” of discovery was completed during this year’s festival, they received a certificate of achievement.

Approximately 40 children ranging in ages from 1-8 from at least four different states came to Mt. Magazine for the hands-on activities and all had a great time. To end the evening, Still on the Hill gave a live concert at the Lodge with about 50 children and parents enjoying the live show.