UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The mystical, magical world of insects will leave thousands of visitors spellbound at Penn State's Great Insect Fair this year.

Sponsored by the College of Agricultural Sciences' entomology department, the fair takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 29 in the Snider Agricultural Arena, at the corner of Park Avenue and Fox Hollow Road (across from Beaver Stadium) on the University Park campus.

Steven Jacobs, senior extension associate in entomology, says the fair's theme, "Winged Wizards -- Spell-Binding Insects," will focus on the mystical and magical qualities of many insects. "People are fascinated by insects but are often afraid of them," Jacobs explains. "In actuality, very few insects are actually pests. We're focusing this year's fair on beneficial insects such as honey bees and how we depend on them in our everyday lives."

The event also will feature Phydeaux's Flying Flea Circus with Chief Wahoo and the Miracle Elixir Medicine Show. As pitchman for the miracle elixir, George Esparza will talk visitors into trying his cure, while serving as ringmaster for his amazing flea circus. Audiences will be spellbound as the world-renowned acrobatic fleas defy gravity and surmount impossible feats of strength and agility.

Organizers say other fun and interactive events are planned to appeal to people of all ages:

* Honey Bee Ball

* Build-A-Bug Competition -- Bring your homemade insect for judging and a chance to win prizes (for rules and guidelines, visit the Web at http://entscied.cas.psu.edu/BAB.html).

* Insect Olympics -- Compare your physical prowess to that of bugs in a series of Olympic-style events.

* Insect Petting Zoo -- See and touch many fascinating, live insects from around the world.

* Honey Tasting

* Insect Deli -- Featuring critter cuisine such as mealworm stir fry and infamous "Chocolate Chirpies" (chocolate-covered crickets).

* Live Entertainment -- Several live musical acts will perform between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., including Carole Backman, Jim Collins and Mark Guiltinan; well-known local musician Tommy Wareham; entomologist Tom Cornwell of Bug Songs (bugsongs.com); and songwriter/recording artist Christopher Kent and Lynn Yost of Dragonheart Music.

* Children's Games and Activities -- Kids can enjoy face painting and make their own magical insect wand.

* Ladybug Theater

* Insect Vendors -- Shop for insect pets and insect arts, crafts, books and t-shirts.

* The BugMobile! -- Learn about insects and integrated pest management while chatting with the one and only talking car.

Admission to the Great Insect Fair is free, although donations will be accepted to help defray costs. Free parking is available at the Snider Agricultural Arena and across Park Avenue behind the Centre County/Penn State Visitor Center. For more information, call the entomology department at 814-865-1895 or visit the Web at http://entscied.cas.psu.edu.

###

EDITORS: For more information, contact the department of Entomology at 814-865-1895.

Writer: Kristie Auman-Bauer 814-865-2839 kma147@psu.edu

Editor: Chuck Gill 814-863-2713 cdg5@psu.edu