Leya Collins, WSC Museum Laboratory Manager, held “Charlotte,” a non-venomous Reticulated Python, as she welcomed both adults and youths to the Inland Empire Science Festival on April 20 at the Western Science Center in Hemet. The event drew a crowd of Hemet Unified School District students and their families, as well as many others who gathered outside the museum for a day of scientific exploration.
For the HUSD students and families, the festival was an extra special experience as they were granted free admission to the WSC Museum, where they could view the preserved fossils of prehistoric animals and learn about their histories. Located at 2345 Searl Parkway, the museum served as a backdrop for the festival, providing a unique setting for hands-on learning and discovery.
Event coordinator Brett Dooley joined Leya Collins in greeting visitors as they arrived. Collins, adorned with a large python around her neck and shoulders, expressed the festival’s aim in bringing science to the Inland Empire. With a focus on showcasing the diverse scientific community in the region, the festival aimed to inspire curiosity and appreciation for the world of science among attendees.