College of Agriculture

Spring Fest offers interactive family fun for the entire community

Story by Emma Ea Ambrose
March 25, 2019

Cricket spitting, popcorn lessons (and eating), a plant sale and flower necklace workshops are just a few activities attendees can find at Spring Fest 2019 at Purdue University.

Spring Fest will feature many interactive events, including the Boiler Barnyard, where attendees can meet livestock.

The event, hosted by the College of Agriculture, will highlight accessible aspects of research and higher education withdozens of interactive and educational activities. Spring Fest is free and open to the public and takes place April 6-7across the College of Agriculture campus and the Memorial Mall.

“Spring Fest is a fun way to celebrate Purdue University and the College of Agriculture. It’s also an opportunity to introduce children to science and other disciplines through interactive and educational activities and exhibits” said Karen Plaut, the Glenn W. Sample Dean of the College of Agriculture.

Other Spring Fest activities include the Bug Bowl insect petting zoo, the Boiler Barnyard, where attendees can meet livestock, and a demonstration from the Department of Biochemistry, where participates play with fake snow and pass around a bubble. A number of other colleges and departments will also exhibit. Joseph Yoon, executive director of Brooklyn Bugs, will serve up dishes featuring insects as key ingredients. Brooklyn Bugs is a New York-based organization dedicated to raising awareness about insects as an alternative and sustainable protein. Yoon’s visit to campus is sponsored by the Department of Food Science.

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