‘Hoppy ANT-iversary’ Audubon Insectarium

GUMBO STAFF REPORT

New Orleans’ Audubon Insectarium is celebrating a very buggy event. It turns one-year-old in June.

The official “Hoppy ANT-iversary” celebration lasts all month, with special events planned June 12 through June 14.

On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in June, visitors receive party hats, have opportunities to register to win prizes (including going on a bug hunt with Audubon Insectarium entomologists!) and can eat some of the special ANT-iversary cake.

As a special attraction during the “Ant-iversary” weekend, executive Bug Chefs Zack Lemann and Brenda Walkenhorst are going antennae to antennae on Friday, June 12, in a Chitin (Iron) Chef battle. Throughout the weekend (June 12-14), some of the Insectarium’s resident insects will sport their own festive-wear, and visitors will receive free giveaways while supplies last.

Audubon Insectarium opened on June 13, 2008, as the largest free-standing museum dedicated to insects and their relatives in North America. It is located at 423 Canal St., and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Approximately 900,000 critters (many live) call the Insectarium home. Visitors can see and touch arthropods, or shrink down to bug size to explore the world beneath the topsoil. Guests can even expand their gastronomic horizons by eating bugs in Bug Appetit, or experience the Awards Night flick on insects.

For more info, go online to www. AudubonInstitute.org.