Free admission for human and insect visitors

AUGUSTA — Bug Maine-ia, Maine’s largest natural science education event, buzzes around the Maine State Museum on Wednesday, Sept. 10, with 25 exhibitors providing hands-on displays, fascinating discoveries and fun for visitors of all ages.

The event begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.

“We look forward to Bug Maine-ia all year,” comments Maine State Museum Chief Educator Joanna Torow. “It is truly a wonderful event, especially for teachers, parents and students, who can get some great up-close experiences with the creepy, crawly world of insects and learn about the wide-ranging impact these tiny creatures have on our lives.”

Bug Maine-ia’s exhibitors come from throughout the state and include Tony Sohns and his Bug Zoo, Maine Entomological Society, Maine State Beekeepers Association, University of Maine, Maine Department of Agriculture, Maine Forest Service, Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Maine State Museum, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Hudson Museum, Butterfly and Insect Museum, Maine Agriculture in the Classroom and Chewonki’s Bug Mobile, as well as a master Maine fishing guide, artists and entomologists.

Admission to the museum is free of charge all day. Teachers or parents bringing groups of students are urged to make reservations by completing a Bug Maine-ia and Maine Earth Science Day reservation form at www.mainestatemuseum.org/learn.

The museum is at 230 State St., adjacent to the Maine State House.