PAROC welcomes October with fish stories, fly-fishing and Halloween fun
Emporia, KS (09/29/2026) — Spooky science takes center stage this Halloween at ESU's Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center, where a special edition of Science Saturday will cap a month of fishing, reading and hands-on activities. Other October programs will teach attendees how to fly fish and help children explore the world of fish through stories, activities and book club discussions.
Kicking off the month Saturday, Oct. 3, from 1 to 3 p.m. is Fly Fishing for Beginners. This fun and educational training event welcomes all skill levels but is geared specifically toward newcomers. Instructor Kyle Hull will cover basic equipment, teach participants how to cast and explain which flies to use when targeting fish found locally. The event is free and open to the public. Register by emailing paroc@emporia.edu.
October's Science Storytime is Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 6 to 6:45 p.m. This free event begins with an engaging story followed by a fun, hands-on activity and is designed for children ages 7 and younger. Caregivers must attend, and everyone should dress for potentially messy activities. To sign up, email paroc@emporia.edu. The October theme is fish.
Continuing the fish theme is the PAROC Book Club. This monthly program combines reading, creativity and science for students in third through fifth grades. The book club meets once a month on Mondays from 4 to 5 p.m. Seating is limited. To learn more and sign up, visit the PAROC Book Club website.
PAROC's Science Saturday event lands on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 10 a.m. to noon. This Halloween-themed special may cause attendees to say "Ew!" or "Yuck!" or scream in fright when they see spiders, snakes, sharks, vultures, bats, opossums and other creepy, crawly creatures of the night. But these commonly feared and underappreciated creatures are often misunderstood and are much more than their reputations might suggest.
The event features interactive booths showcasing Misunderstood Monsters, including massive tarantulas and spooky shark specimens. Guests also can enjoy educational activities, crafts, free Halloween candy and a children's costume contest. Everyone is invited to dress in costume and experience the spooky fun at PAROC this Halloween. Science Saturday is open to everyone, and no registration is required.
About Emporia State University
Emporia State University offers a range of academic programs through its seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, Library and Information Management and Library and Archives, Science and Mathematics and Visual and Performing Arts, along with The Teachers College.
ESU stands out for its innovative education practices. It ensures accessible education by offering in-state tuition rates to full-time undergraduate students from all lower-48 United States. Additionally, full-time undergraduates benefit from flat-rate tuition - students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours with at least one credit hour on campus pay a flat rate.
For more information on how to build your future at Emporia State University, please visit www.emporia.edu.
Emporia State University
Gwendolynne Larson, ESU director of media relations, (620) 341-5528, glarson1@emporia.eduShare this Story
Recent News
- Dr. Filiz Tabak Named Permanent Dean of ESU School of Business and Technology
- Experience the power of the sun at ESU's Peterson Planetarium in October
- ESU Homecoming Week is Oct. 20-25
- Stormont and Cowan Families Honored as Emporia State's 2026 Hornet Heritage Family
- Community Invited to Tag Monarch Butterflies at ESU's PAROC
- Try art workshops to support ESU programs, students
- Enjoy Family & Friends Day at ESU Sept. 19
- Disney princesses and classic Shakespeare featured in ESU Theatre's 2026-27 season
- Peterson Planetarium celebrates Pluto 20 years after reclassification
- ESU, partners celebrate 10 years of Vamos a Pescar with day of fishing and fun