The Riley County Health Department wants to keep the creepy-crawly-bitey-stingy-rashy elements of the great outdoors from ruining your summer.
Sunny 102.5 and RCHD are teaming up for a return of the annual Bug-A-Palooza festival Thursday May 11. The free event will take place between 3pm and 7pm at at the Douglass Park on Yuma Street in Manhattan. It’s an amazing event that will show you how to protect yourself and your family from insect bites, snakes, poison ivy, and severe weather, all while having fun!
Kids and adults of all ages get safety tips and have fun at more than 20 booths with activities such as a plastic “fishing pond,” live non-venomous snake display, seed giveaway, sensory bins, bug search, Life Cycle of the Butterfly activity, children’s book giveaway, maggot painting, and much more. Plus, visitors will get a passport stamp for visiting different tables and can earn a prize for stopping at all the booths!
Skylar German, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for the Riley County Health Department says, “Our main goal for this event has been to prevent vector-borne diseases such as Zika Virus and Lyme Disease from impacting someone’s life. With a little bit of awareness and education about safety practices, plus a good dose of fun, we can empower people and help keep them safe. This year, we’re thrilled to offer even more education and activities for the whole family.”
“Fear of the outdoors shouldn’t keep you inside this summer! Stop by to learn how to keep yourself and your kids safe while enjoying time outside,” said Julie Gibbs, Riley County Health Department Director.
2023 community partners for Bug-A-Palooza
Riley County Health Department
Geary County Health Department
Fort Riley Public Health
K-State Horticulture and Master Gardeners
Milford Nature Center
Kansas Science Festival
Manhattan Fire Department
Riley County Emergency Management
Safe Kids Coalition
Riley County EMS
Flint Hills Discovery Center
Flint Hills Volunteer Center
K-State Entomology Club
Manhattan Free Clinic
Girl Scouts
Flint Hills Wellness Coalition
K-State Master of Public Health Program
The Riley County Health Department has served Riley County for over 50 years. The health department workforce of more than 40 employees includes nurses, social workers, dietitians, support staff, and administration. Find out more and follow the Riley County Health Department on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
