When Fireflies Dance

Fire spinners and glow-in-the-dark illuminated hula hoops are two attractions guests will find at this year's Firefly Fling Saturday at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in Fayetteville.

Firefly Fling is described as "nature adventures for families," says Judy Smith, communication and education coordinator at the garden. Community partners for the event are Amazeum, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Hobbs State Park and Ozark Natural Science Center. These partners will feature stations throughout the garden, she says, with adventures that focus on water, wood, sand and other features of nature.

Before dark, the event will also include musicians and storytellers, such as Shaky Bugs, Smith says. Donna Mulhollan says she will be telling stories in her Floraluna persona. As it starts to get dark, there will be lawn games for families to play with glow-in-the-dark items, Smith adds, and after dark, Firefly Fling will showcase the fire spinners, a glow-in-the-dark illuminated hula hoop show and an aerialist.

The firefly shop will sell glow-in-the-dark wings, wands and halos.

Food will be provided by Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Yarnell's.

-- Ashley Batchelor

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