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Children learn about bugs during walk in memory of 11-yr.-old boy

Andy Johnson (left) displays a cicada wing during "Meet Mark's Friends" at the Butler-Freeport Community Trail.

SUMMIT TWP — More than 100 children turned out to learn about creepy crawly critters of all types during an event Saturday to honor the life of Mark Fike, an 11-year-old with a love for insects who was killed in January during an accident near his bus stop.

The Butler-Freeport Community Trail held “Meet Mark's Friends” at the Bonniebrook Trailhead, drawing a total of 120 children for three “bug walks” held that morning.

“It turned out to be better than expected,” said Ethan Fike, Mark's father. “We wanted to share Mark's love for bugs with others and share his passion.”

Children at the event were enthusiastic to find out more about the insects they discussed on the walk.

Andy Johnson, 7, said his most exciting moment of the day involved his catching an insect.

“I got a lightning bug,” he said.

Read more in Monday's Butler Eagle.

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