Invasion of kids ... and bugs in Polson

Swarms of children filled Elks Lodge 1695 in Polson last week during an annual race, held by the North Lake County Public Library District.

The 33rd annual Bug Race saw about 60 kids, who crawled along with their plastic insects for the competition.

This year, Kendra Mullison, a youth librarian at the library who oversaw the event, said that organizers broke away from the tradition of using live bugs.

“When you’re handling a large group of kids, the logistics of catching bugs that meet (the race) requirements and keeping them alive long enough have been challenging in the past,” Mullison said.

Also taken into consideration was what Mullison said was “the ick-factor,” where some children who would want to participate wouldn’t because they were afraid of live bugs.

Plastic “thumb-jumper” bugs were passed out to the participants, who chased the bugs to various finish lines, depending on age.

Prior to each heat, there was a practice round so that the children could get acquainted with their bugs, Mullison explained.

There were three age groups, including ages 0-3, 4-8 and 9-13.

Children from Fun & Fancy Free, Serendipity Playhouse and the Boys & Girls Club of The Flathead Reservation attended, as well as individual families.

Usually the race is held at the VFW, but the change of location was because of the stairs kids had to climb up to get to the room where the event was held.

At the Elks Lodge, Mullison explained that the room is on the ground level, making easier access for children to get to.

To kick off the event, Mullison read a book describing different types of bugs to the students.

Following the race, kids enjoyed refreshments and rock painting.

Adult judges who helped with the event included Don Clement, Denise Peterson and Donna Olson from the Polson Kiwanis Club.