Purdue News
Purdue News
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July 15, 2004 Snake exhibit among a variety of Purdue state fair displaysWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - This year Purdue University will feature what is perhaps its largest and most dramatic exhibit ever at the Indiana State Fair. Snakes of the Midwest, a walk-through replica of a snake's skeleton that measures 36 feet by 18 feet, will take center stage in the Our Land Pavilion from Aug. 11-22 at the state fairgrounds in Indianapolis. The pavilion is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. "If the snake was stretched out, it would be 68 feet long and nine feet tall," said Danica Kirkpatrick, events coordinator for Purdue School of Agriculture. With live snakes, interactive games and more information than you can shake a rattle at, this exhibit is an eye-opening encounter with snakes. "I would hope that people of all ages gain an appreciation for snakes and an understanding of their place within the environment from this exhibit," said Brian MacGowan, a Purdue Cooperative Extension Service wildlife specialist and creator of the exhibit. "Snakes readily feed on pests like garden slugs, voles, mice and rats. And some snake venoms have demonstrated the potential to treat cancer, strokes and other diseases. This exhibit will teach people that there are good things about snakes." In addition to Snakes of the Midwest, there are 12 other Purdue exhibits at the Indiana State Fair. "This year, several of our exhibits focus on economic development in the state," Kirkpatrick said. "For example, in two of our exhibits we highlight the importance of ethanol research and production and show how biotechnology helps improve plants and animals." The exhibits are: • Fueling Indiana's Economy - features Purdue research that's making ethanol more efficient and viable in Indiana. • Biotechnology: A Tool for Changing the Recipe - shows how biotechnology can develop plants that reduce the use of chemicals, produce more nutritious food and help identify biohazards. • The Magic Bean - highlights products made from soybeans and what Purdue researchers are doing to get more use from this versatile bean. • Wines of Indiana - covers what types of wine is made in Indiana and where wineries are located. This exhibit is housed in the Marsh Ag/Hort Building. • Seafood from the Prairie - features live fish and information about aquaculture, the practice of raising fish on a farm. • The 4-H Centennial - has 4-H's favorite feline, Garfield, celebrating the 100th birthday of 4-H in Indiana. • Veterinary Medicine - has daily spay and neuter demonstrations and shows how veterinary surgeons do a hip replacement in a pet. • Watch Your Weight - helps determine if your weight is unhealthy and shares tools for a healthy lifestyle. • Homeland Security: Are You Ready? - gives advice on what you should do if the terror alert level is raised to red. • The International Year of the Family - compares your family to those in foreign countries. International dolls and an interactive display contrast education, family structure and incomes from around the world. • Animal Agriculture: Impact in Indiana - tests your knowledge of animal agriculture. Trivia questions and a video highlight the economic impact of the industry. • Three R's of New Ventures-try out an idea for starting a new business or expanding an existing one. On Aug. 18 exhibits and activities from the entire campus will be featured as part of Purdue Day at the State Fair. Purdue School of Agriculture events on that day include interactive exhibits on Main Street and in the Our Land Pavilion that highlight Purdue's impact on the state, as well as cricket spitting, cockroach races and a Snakes Alive! presentation. Main Street exhibits are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cricket spitting runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. under the grandstand and cockroach racing starts at 12:30 p.m. in the Our Land Pavilion. The Snakes Alive! presentation begins at 2:30 p.m. in the Our Land Pavilion. Additional information about exhibits and Purdue's presence at the fair is available on the Purdue at the State Fair Web site. Writer: Kay Hagen, (765) 494-6682, kjh@purdue.edu Sources: Danica Kirkpatrick, (765) 494-9113, dkirkpat@purdue.edu Brian MacGowan, (765) 647-3538, macgowan@purdue.edu Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu Related Web sites:
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