WTVM.com and WTVM News Leader 9, Columbus, GA | Kids Learn the Importance of Bugs at Creepy Crawly Event

Kids Learn the Importance of Bugs at Creepy Crawly Event

Sunday, hundreds of local kids got a chance to come face to face with the creepy crawlers so many of us fear.

A unique event at Oxbow Meadow's taught kids the importance of bugs.

Kids of all ages were hands on with all sorts of creepy crawlers, learning how these bugs, affect their everyday lives.

Brittany Culp, Oxbow Meadows Naturalist says, "Alot of people see bugs and are familiar with them but don't know the things they do for us and don't really know why they're there, what importance they are to us."

The roach race drew many onlookers at the festival, as kids egged on their racing bugs with sticks and pencils, hoping they ended up with the fastest one.

Those brave enough tried the chocolate covered crickets and meal worm lollipops, considered delicacies in many countries around the world.

Tara Heggood, an insectival volunteer, says, "It tastes like a nestle's crunch".

For many kids, the insectival gave them a chance to confront their fears about the creatures that do so much for human life.

Kari Carmack, a mother who brought her son, Orion, to the event tells us, "I think its invaluable for kids to get out here, and really get their hands dirty, learn that nature's not removed, its part of what we experience day in and day out."