The Louisville Zoo has released all the details about "The World's Largest Halloween Party"
Be seen, not scared at the sweetest Halloween party in town this October at the Louisville Zoo. On October 7-9,13-16,20-23 and 27-30, 2011 Meijer will present “The World’s Largest Halloween Party!” 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 for guests 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. The Zoo will not be providing bags. A selection of bags in various sizes and prices will be available in the Zoo’s gift shop.)
New this year is a route change. The route through the event will be reversed this year and will begin at the carousel and end in the Islands. It has also been expanded to include the path through Gorilla Forest.
As a special treat, on October 21-22, PNC’s Grow Up Great Mobile Learning Adventure will be at the Zoo’s front entrance taking free photos of little ones in their costumes.
Be sure to check out these favorites:
- Meijer’s Pirate’s Cove
- Ford’s DinoLand
- Mumpkin the Giant Talking Pumpkin presented by The Courier-Journal/DealChicken.com
- KESPT’s 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:
- Not-So-Haunted Carousel ($2 per person)
- 4-D ride with Yogi Bear ($4 per person)
- ÿZip Line over Pirate’s Cove at Waterfowl Lake ($10.80 per person)
- Sky Trail ® High Adventure Course ( $6.30 per person)
- The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow Tour ($2 per person)
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.
This event is one of the Zoo’s major fundraising events so a special ticket is required for visitors age 3 and up.
Ticket price is $8 per person at the Zoo or online as of October 1 at www.louisvillezoo.org. Advance discount tickets are available at area Meijer stores (four locations in Louisville and two in Indiana) for $6.50 ($1.50 off full-priced tickets) beginning September 26. 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 (or for groups larger than 15).
The party is free for Louisville Zoo members (and any persons covered by their membership) on select nights—October 7-9 and 13-16. Louisville Zoo Members must purchase half-price tickets ($4) for other nights. These tickets are only available at the Zoo or online.
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.
For answers to frequently asked questions about the party, visit http://www.louisvillezoo.org/halloween/faq.htm.
“The World’s Largest Halloween Party!” presented by Meijer is also made possible by the sponsorship of The Courier-Journal,DealChicken.com, Ford, PNC Grow Up Great and Subway.
Additional sponsorship is provided by Gattiland, Kentucky Exposition Center, KFC Yum Center, Kentucky International Convention Center and Kentucky Education Savings Plan Trust.
With additional support from Carnes Trucking Company, Caufield’s, Chili’s Grill and Bar, Cotton Service Company, LLC, Delta Dental of Kentucky, Hartland Equipment, Jason Philpott Hay Co., Kellog’s, Lighthouse Chiropractic Centre, Special Olympics Kentucky, Sysco and Dr. Kim Westermann/Caring for Your Smile.
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.
For more information you can visit: www.louisvillezoo.com
Photo Credit: Louisville Zoo
