MEDIA RELEASE

September 28, 2010

CONTACT: Kyle Shepherd, 502-238-5331
502-744-5639 Media Cell

kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Louisville Zoo to hold the sweetest Halloween party in town

Meijer presents “The World’s Largest Halloween Party!” at the Louisville Zoo October 8-10, 14-17, 21-24 and 28-30, 2010

 ((EDITOR’S NOTE: Photos of last year’s event are available upon request.))
 

Be seen, not scared. The sweetest Halloween party in town is almost here.

For 14 nights in October (October 8-10, 14-17, 21-24 and 28-30, 2010) Meijer will present “The World’s Largest Halloween Party!” at the Louisville Zoo where little ones can dress up in their wildest costumes and set off on a magical journey through the Zoo.

This beloved annual community tradition provides not-so-scary fun for families and features costumed characters to meet and greet and fanciful, larger-than-life storybook scenes throughout the Zoo. Plus there’s trick-or-treating for kids 11 and under. (In an effort to be “green,” we are asking children to bring their own trick-or-treat bag to the event.)  New this year is Toyland, where everyone’s favorite toys come to life – but they are really larger than life! 

As a special treat, on October 22-23, PNC’s Grow Up Great Mobile Learning Adventure at the Zoo’s front entrance will be taking free photos of little ones in their costumes. On October 28-30, the fun will start before guests even enter the party when they visit Meijer’s Mobile Virtual Playground at the Zoo’s front entrance.

Also be sure to check out:

  • Meijer’s Pirate’s Cove

  • Mumpkin the Giant Talking Pumpkin

  • Super Hero City

  • PNC’s Grow Up Great Storybook Land

  • Subway’s Land of Oz

  • Ogre’s Swamp

  • And much, much more!

All main Party festivities are included with regular party admission.

Several special “thrilling” experiences will be available for the adventuresome (special fees and some restrictions apply). These include:

  • Dinosaurs! at Night.  16 super life-like animatronic dinosaurs are amazing during the day but they are spectacular at night! ($4 per person)

  • Spooktacular Haunted Carousel ($2 per person)

  • 4-D ride with SpongeBob SquarePants ™($4 per person)

  • NEW Zip Line over Meijer’s Pirate’s Cove at Waterfowl Lake ($10.80)

  • Sky Trail ® High Adventure Course ( $6.30)

  • The  Headless Horseman of Sleepy  Hollow Tour sponsored by Councilman Jim King, District 10 with additional support from Councilman James Peden, District 23 ($2) 

The Zoo closes to daytime visitors at 3 p.m. on event days and Halloween Party guests can enter from 5 to 8:30 p.m. A special ticket for the event is required for visitors age 3 and up.

Ticket price is $8 per person at the Zoo or online now at www.louisvillezoo.org. Advance discount tickets are available at area Meijer stores for $6.50 ($1.50 off full-priced tickets).  Groups of 15 or more can purchase tickets for $6.50 per person online at www.louisvillezoo.org or by contacting the Zoo’s Group Sales department at 238-5348 at least 72 hours in advance.

The party is free for Louisville Zoo members (and any persons covered by their membership) on select nights—October 8-10 and 14-17.  Louisville Zoo Members must purchase half-price tickets ($4) for other nights. These tickets are only available at the Zoo or online.

This event is one of the Zoo’s major fundraising events, so encourage friends and family to support the Zoo by attending this time-honored family activity.

There are various parking options for the Halloween event. To park in the Zoo’s main parking lot, there is a $5 parking fee per car. Free parking and shuttle bus service is available at the Derby City Ball Field (from I-264, drive north toward the Zoo on Poplar Level Road and turn right at Taylor Avenue by Wendy’s Restaurant. Go to the end of the block and follow the signs.) Shuttles start about 15 minutes prior the beginning of the event and do not stop until the last car leaves the ball field. Shuttles are handicapped accessible and can handle strollers and wagons.

For answers to frequently asked questions about the party, visit http://www.louisvillezoo.org/events/halloween.htm.

 “The World’s Largest Halloween Party!” presented by Meijer is also made possible by the sponsorship of Momslikeme.com, PNC Grow Up Great and Subway.

Additional sponsorship is provided by Councilman Jim King, 10th District, Gattiland, Kentucky State Fair Board, Kentucky Education Savings Plan Trust, UPS and White Lion — the movie.

With additional support from All About Kids, Calistoga Artisan Sandwiches, Caring for your Smile – Dr. Westerman, Carnes and Setzer Transportation, Chili’s Grill and Bar, Delta Dental, Hartland Equipment Company, Lead Safe Louisville, Philpott Hay Company, Sysco, Tumbleweed Southwest Grill and Wolter Chiropractic.

Please Note:

Costumes/Masks: Kids are encouraged to wear costumes but they are certainly not required.  Adults may also wear costumes but we ask that they be family-friendly (not scary).  And since this event caters to small children we must require that adults NOT wear masks that cover the face.

Animals:  For their health and safety most of the Zoo animal exhibits are not guaranteed to be open beyond dusk with the exception of the HerpAquarium.

Road Closings: The following road closings begin at 4 p.m. on event days: Illinois Ave. from Trevilian Way to Taylor Ave., Russell and Grenade. There will also be signs posted for no parking on Illinois Ave. from Trevilian Way to Taylor Ave., Russell, Grenade, Ridgefield, Tycoon and Oak Hill.

 

—MEDIA COVERAGE—

To better assist you, we ask all media to please call 24-hours in advance to arrange coverage. Notify Louisville Zoo Public Relations Department or by calling the Zoo’s front office at (502) 459-2181 x0. 

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The Zoo can be reached via I-264, exit 14. Follow the Zoo signs to 1100 Trevilian Way. For additional information, please call (502) 459-2181 or visit the Zoo website at www.louisvillezoo.org.                                            

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The Louisville Zoo, a non-profit organization and state zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the American Association of Museums (AAM) and by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

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Get up-to-date information about the Zoo’s upcoming Glacier Run exhibit by checking out our new Glacier Run blog. You can also show your love for the Louisville Zoo by becoming a fan on Facebook and Twitter.

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LOUISVILLE ZOO  *  1100 TREVILIAN WAY, LOUISVILLE KY  40213

BETTERING THE BOND BETWEEN PEOPLE AND OUR PLANET