Oxnard—The Fifth Annual City of Oxnard Insect Festival, Saturday, June 7, combined education and activities, wrapped up in a cockroach and cricket burrito.
THE event was free, thanks to Terrel Harrison and the folks at Oxnard Rec, and featured learning about monarch butterflies and other bugs, with kids of all ages taking some home! This year’s special guests were crustaceans!!
Vendors sold tarantulas, scorpions, centipedes, and monarch butterfly larvae. Families had the opportunity to purchase insect themed art, framed and pinned insects for sale, and exotic plants that attract insects. Additionally, they could buy insect exploration tools, such as magnifying glasses and bug boxes.
Insect booths highlighted the educational offerings at the Kids’ Zone, allowing visitors to experience bug-oriented arts and crafts. At 11 a.m., event sponsor ZooMed hosted a hands-on presentation with live insects.
The afternoon’s events started at 12:30 p.m., where awards were distributed for the best insect or critter costume contest for kids in four categories: ages 0-18 months, 18 months to 4 years, 5 to 10 years, and 10 to 14 years
Fernando and the Nandos kicked off the music from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., plus a Beatles cover band – Beatlemania – playing…
