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2021 Hokie BugFest BackYard Scavenger Hunt

#HokieBugFestBugHunt

October 6, 2021

Hokie BugFest and Macaroni Kid NRV & Roanoke have teamed up to bring families a fun outdoor activity that will have you in search of some of the smallest residents of Southwest Virginia!  The Hokie BugFest celebrates the science of entomology and this is the 10th anniversary of this popular annual event. This year's festival will be virtual and offer two months of fun starting on Saturday, October 2 and ending on Friday, December 31, 2021.  Each day offers different activities, stories, and at-home activities, along with contests, challenges, and voting opportunities to enjoy.  Find details HERE, on Facebook or visit the Macaroni Kid calendar for events. 

Macaroni Kid loves being part of this annual tradition, and the entomologists at Virginia Tech have helped us assemble a search card with 10 arthropods commonly found this time of year for a scavenger hunt. In planning, they considered our local parks and green spaces in the New River Valley and Roanoke County, and you might even find some in your own backyard. Our Parks and Playground Guides can help you find where to look, and explore our area in the process.  

To make it even more fun, we'll offer 7 different prizes. 

  • 3 bug-hunting families have the opportunity to win a $25 gift card to a locally owned business in our directory of your choosing! 
  • 2 bug-hunting families have the opportunity to win a bug hunting book called "The Backyard Bug Book for Kids"
  • 2 bug-hunting families have the opportunity to win an Outdoor Explorer Kit & Bug Catcher Kit. 

As you find the challenge bugs below, share your bug photos through November 30th in a public post on Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #HokieBugFestBugHunt and #Contest, and tag @Mackidnrv on Instagram, or tag @hokiebugfest and @nrvmacaronikid on Facebook.  On December 1, 2021 we'll use a random generator to choose 7 winners, who will be tagged on the social channel they use and invited to choose where they'd like a gift card to from our directory

Ready to get started? Click below and print out your Hokie BugFest Scavenger Hunt Card and happy hunting! You can find the Scavenger Hunt and other activities here. 











There is no purchase necessary to enter this contest. For complete contest rules visit HERE.  Happy hunting!