Indiana State University Newsroom

Indiana State University's Center for Bat Research, Outreach and Conservation will host its seventh annual Bat Festival on Sept. 21.

Joy O'Keefe, director of ISU's Center for Bat Research, Outreach, and Conservation encourages people to come to the Bat Festival to learn more about bats and their impact on the environment.

"The Bat Festival is important to the community as a fun, family-oriented event that promotes positive thinking about bats, creatures that are often viewed with fear and hatred," she said. "Every year at the Bat Festival, we raise awareness of the biology of these awesome animals and give people a better understanding of how their actions might impact bats, both positively and negatively."

The free event will take place in the Science Building on Indiana State's campus from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and will feature several presentations about various aspects of bat biology. Children's activities are also available and will feature crafts, an inflatable cave and face painting.

At 2 p.m. guests can attend live bat and raptor demonstrations. In conjunction with Year of the River 2013, festivities will continue at Fairbanks Park from 6-10 p.m. Guests will have a second chance to watch the live bat and raptor demonstrations, as well as have the opportunity to listen for and observe bats along the river.

Artwork submissions are currently being accepted in person or by mail for the Bat Festival art contest. Artwork will be judged based on three age groups by members of the ISU community. Artwork can be submitted in person or by mail to Brianne Walters, Indiana State University Science Building, 340. For more information about the art contest, or to complete an entry form, visit http://www.isubatcenter.org/.

A bake sale and a silent auction will take place in the Science Building with the proceeds benefitting the Center for Bat Research, Outreach and Conservation. To donate items for the silent auction, contact Brianne Walters at 812-237-2808 or Brianne.Walters@indstate.edu.

Contact: Brianne Walters, program coordinator, biology, Indiana State University, 812-237-2808 or Brianne.Walters@indstate.edu

Writer: Emily Sturgess, media relations assistant, Office of Communications and Marketing, Indiana State University, 812-237-3773 or esturgess@sycamores.indstate.edu