The science of having fun

Photo: Okanagan Science Centre

Those attending the annual Okanagan Science Centre Pub Night will be able to get up close and personal with the resident tarantula.

A popular spot for youngsters, the Okanagan Science Centre will be adults only for its annual Science Pub event.

Held on Saturday, Nov. 25 from 7-11 p.m., the fun evening gives adults free reign of the building to play like a kid.

The Science Pub will feature dancing, science activities - including 'pet the tarantula' - a range of new critters to meet, blind-folded gyro chair rides and some new explosive demos head of programming Kevin Aschenmeier created just for the event.

Pub food is being provided by Basket Case Picnics and Catering, and the bar features Okanagan Spirits.

Dr. Jaymie Matthews, a dynamic and humorous speaker on astrophysics, will be the guest speaker.

And as a bonus, the centre's executive director, Jim Swingle, has agreed to put himself at the mercy of his staff if this year’s Science Pub meets its fundraising goal or raising 150 family memberships to distribute to low-income and refugee families in Vernon this holiday season.

And if they hit their goal?

“Staff is cooking up a Fear Factor-style torture for me,” said Swingle. “I’m hearing a lot of diabolical laughing, which suddenly stops when I enter the room.”

Tickets are $25 in advance, $28 at the door, available through EventBrite, the Okanagan Science Centre, or by calling 250-545-3644.