Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences Department of Entomology’s annual Great Insect Fair is set to return from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 30, at the Snider Agricultural Arena at the corner of Fox Hollow Road and East Park Avenue.

After taking a break for the last three years, the Penn State Department of Entomology is bringing back its free and interactive event for students and community members of all ages.

Various activities and food options will be available including honey tasting, face painting, an insect zoo, assorted bees, free merchandise from the entomology department, and more. Educational explanations and demonstrations will also be presented about this year’s fair theme, “Bugs in the System,” which will focus on the importance of insects in technological advancements.

Anne Johnson, Ph.D. student in the Department of Entomology and the organizer for the fair, said she looks forward to seeing the community interact with the backbone of her field again.

“It’s great to see how people can overcome their fear and see that bugs are not only not always harmful, but also necessary for the health of our ecosystem,” Johnson said. “It will also be a great opportunity for people to explore how insects have benefitted them in ways they may not have even thought about, such as being crucial in the development of medicines or influencing how we build robots.”

While the event is free, donations will be accepted. Any questions regarding the fair can be directed to the Department of Entomology.