Saturday, May 11 to Sunday, May 19, Collin Creek Mall will be all aflutter when the Butterfly Festival, sponsored by The Kiwanis Club of Greater Plano, returns to the shopping center. Visitors will be able to stroll through the temporary butterfly habitat, encountering the butterflies and enjoying up-close experiences with the delicate creatures.

During the event, hundreds of butterflies imported from Florida are released into an 800-square-foot mesh tent which is outfitted like a conservatory, lined with flowering plants and green foliage, water fountains and butterfly feeders. As the butterflies emerge, the little creatures enjoy a week in the habitat, living off the nectar in the specially selected plants.

Each visitor is given a cotton swab soaked in juice with which to entice the butterflies to perch on the swab. Individuals will often have a face-to-face encounter with a butterfly and everyone is invited to bring a camera to capture the fun.

The Greater Plano Kiwanis Club welcomes school groups and organizations that would like visit the Butterfly Festival. School classes and organizations with advance reservations for a visit on a weekday can schedule an educational talk about butterflies. For information about advance group reservations and sales, call John Walsh at (972) 422-1390 or Iris Paul at (214) 514-3059.

Tickets for the Butterfly Festival are $3 for children and $6 for adults. At www.collincreekmall.com/events, individuals can link to a coupon to receive $1 off one children’s ticket with each adult ticket purchased. Butterfly souvenirs will also be for sale at the event. All proceeds from ticket and souvenir sales will be donated to charities supported by The Kiwanis Club of Greater Plano.

Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 12 to 6 p.m. The Butterfly Festival will be held on the lower level near Amazing Jake’s.

Collin Creek Mall features over 130 specialty shops and eateries including Macy’s, Dillard’s, jcpenney and Sears. The shopping center is conveniently located at US 75 Central Expressway and 190 Bush Turnpike. For directions, visit www.collincreekmall.com or call 972.442.1070.