Annual Spring Fest to feature new interactive activities and science exploration across campus

Story by Jillian Ellison

Photos by Tom Campbell

April 4, 2023

The annual Purdue College of Agriculture’s Spring Fest will return on April 15, offering several new interactive activities for all ages.

From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Spring Fest will take place throughout the College of Agriculture grounds and buildings, the College of Veterinary Medicine and on the Memorial Mall, free and open to the public with dozens of educational opportunities for all ages.

“This event is always a great way to hear about what is happening within our college and departments across the university. It really allows for students enrolled at Purdue to share their passions with the community as well,” said Amy Winger, event coordinator. “There is something for everybody, and you’ll likely find a new interest while you’re here, too.”

Several new activities will be featured, including maggot painting, where participants will allow the insects to do some of the creativity for them, and a virtual approach to cryogenic lab equipment, where participants will be able to try their hand at operating state-of-the-art cryogenics equipment in the virtual world.

Entomology professor emeritus Tom Turpin will return to campus to host a “Cockroach Coliseum,” located in the tent in front of Smith Hall. Participants will be given a number, and Turpin will release a cockroach in the center of the course table. The numbered entrance the cockroach scuttles into will be the winning number.

One attendee known by many seasoned Spring Fest goers will be Ethyl, the fistulated cow, offering those interested in the opportunity to reach inside a window opening on the cow’s side to learn about a cow’s digestive system.

Free parking for Spring Fest is available in the Marsteller Street and Discovery Park parking lots and the Wood Street Parking Garage. The Harrison Street Garage also is available as a paid parking option.

For a full schedule, list of activities and additional information visit ag.purdue.edu/springfest

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