As Cicadas Emerge, Visit Fairfax Offers Lighthearted Challenge

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — The buzz in town is that Brood X cicadas will arrive in the region this spring in large numbers. While the swarms of insects may seem like an annoyance, Visit Fairfax is turning lemons into lemonade with a cicada photo challenge.

Fairfax County's tourism organization has launched a Cicada Stroll Bingo card and giveaway with the chance to win a Cicada Care Package filled with items such as a custom cicada face mask. To enter, participants can take photos of cicadas in various settings around Fairfax County to complete the bingo card.

"While some may view the arrival of the Brood X cicadas as a nuisance, we here at Visit Fairfax choose to look at it as an exceptional opportunity for visitors and residents to witness one of Earth’s most remarkable natural occurrences – and have fun at the same time!" said Barry Biggar, president and CEO of Visit Fairfax.

The bingo card features eight different settings where residents can take photos of cicadas. For example, the Cicadas Near the Water category could include waterfront settings such as Great Falls Park, Burke Lake Park or Pohick Bay.

Participants can upload at least two photos from the categories on the completed bingo card at the Visit Fairfax image library. Winners of the giveaway will be randomly selected beginning in May.

SEE ALSO: Billions of 17-Year Cicadas Will Emerge In Virginia in 2021

Billions of Brood X cicadas are expected to start emerging from the ground in early May in Northern Virginia and other parts of the Mid-Atlantic, as well as Midwestern states. This brood of cicadas only emerges from the ground in large numbers every 17 years, and they usually make their presence known. Collectively, the song of male cicadas calling for mates can reach up to 100 decibels.

Peak season for these cicadas is anticipated in late May and early June. Visit Fairfax anticipates the greatest concentration of cicadas will be present in natural settings like parks rather than urban and developed areas with little to no trees. Even if cicadas appear to be a nuisance, they don't pose a threat to people or pets.

For more information about the cicada bingo challenge, see Visit Fairfax's website.