Bug Crawl begins in Saranac Lake
SARANAC LAKE — It was pouring rain on Monday when the mayfly sculpture in the Saranac Lake Bug Crawl was unveiled, which was OK, because mayflies love the water.
The seven sculptures in the Bug Crawl, all crafted by local artist Larry Robjent, were installed Saturday, but Monday was their official unveiling.
Some bugs may look familiar — like the black fly. Others may be more rare sights, like the luna moth. They are spread out around the village for people to find in a scavenger hunt fashion. Those who find all seven are entitled to a sticker from the village. For any looking to hunt without any hints, beware: There is a spoiler ahead.
The mayfly spends the first two years of its life underwater as a nymph. This one sat on a railing over the Saranac River, just below the dam holding back Lake Flower. The village board chose to do its unveiling Monday evening despite the rain.
“It’s Saranac Lake, we embrace the weather, whatever it is,” Mayor Clyde Rabideau said.
The winged insect was made using recycled gears and telephone pole spikes, all collected locally.
Robjent has a knack for reclaimed art. A sea dragon he created with his class at North Country School in Lake Placid rises up from a yard on Woodruff Street.
Village Trustee Kelly Brunette said the plans were laid last summer when the village’s three advisory boards — Arts and Culture, Downtown, and Parks and Trails — collaborated on a project. With three members from each board, a nine-person board was formed, and the scavenger hunt was hatched.
Robjent said this committee told him which bugs to create, and he built each one as anatomically correct as he could.
“I was really amazing to look at some of these bugs really in-depth,” he said. “That was a cool part of the process for me, really learning about the different aspects of the bugs.”
Several, like the mayfly, are placed in areas that resemble their natural habitat.