Pasadena

Pasadena Pretty: Grand Butterfly Release

Some 1,600 winged beauties will flit at the Pasadena educational museum

Butterflies aren't unknown around the Rose Bowl, thanks the monthly flea market that boasts all manner of insect-bedecked items to the New Year's Day floats that frequently employ the winged wonders in various motifs.

But live butterflies, about 1,600 of 'em, will rule the Rose Bowl-close Kidspace Children's Museum on Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22. 

Are they currently on their way to Pasadena at this typing, with an evening arrival at LAX? Nope, though a plane full of butterflies would certainly be a draw for some fliers. Rather, hundreds of young Southern Californians have been carrying for live caterpillars over the last few weeks, caterpillars that are now doing what they've done for eons: Shedding their chrysalis and unfolding their bright new wings.

The 20th Annual Grand Butterfly Release will happen at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, with the larger happening rolling out from 10 a.m. to 3 in the afternoon. What does this happening include? Tots can fashion their own wings to wear, and learn to sip nectar in the manner of a butterfly, and listen to stories and songs.

One of the centerpieces of the day will be the new Arroyo Adventure, which was just unveiled at the start of the month.

Will the hundreds of Painted Lady Butterflies head to this recently debuted section of the museum first? Or will they head further afield, to the yards and trees of greater Pasadena and Highland Park?

Perhaps one or two will even flitter over the Rose Bowl, taking it all in from high above. Butterflies and the famous landmark are a longtime duo, both parade-wise and via the flea market, so it is right that some real, non-floral, non-antique butterflies call upon the area every now and then.

Copyright FREEL - NBC Local Media
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