The Sweetest Halloween Party in Town is at the Louisville Zoo

CONTACT: Kyle Shepherd
Direct: 502-238-5331  |  Media Only: 502-744-5639
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov

Meijer presents “The World’s Largest Halloween Party!”
October 3-5, 9-12, 16-19, 23-26 & 30, 2014

On October 3-5, 9-12, 16-19, 23-26 & 30, 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. It is the place to be seen and not scared this Halloween season.

This beloved annual community tradition, now in its 33rd year, 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,” the Zoo requests that children bring their own trick-or-treat bag to the event. The Zoo will not be providing bags, but cloth bags will be available for sale for $2.

On October 16-19, the Meijer Mobile Virtual Playground will be at the Zoo entrance with free interactive games and giveaways for the whole family.

Louisville pumpkin carving artist Donna O’Bryan will have 200 of her beautifully carved artificial pumpkins on display nightly in the Black Cat Crossing area with themes ranging  from iconic movie characters to famous stars.

Sure to be a favorite and new for 2014 is a Winter Wonderland area featuring two icy-cool princesses. Be sure to also check out these other favorites:

  • Mumpkin the Giant Talking Pumpkin
  • Meijer’s Pirate’s Cove
  • Ford’s DinoLand
  • Super Hero City sponsored by KESPT
  • PNC’s Grow Up Great Storybook Land
  • Subway’s Land of Oz
  • Under the Sea sponsored by Advanced ET & Allergy
  • UPS’ Halloween Town
  • Nimlok Signcrafters’ Wonderland Tea Party
  • Astro Disco sponsored by Louisville Metro Council President Jim King and District 10 Residents

While all main Party festivities are included with regular Party admission, several optional “thrilling” experiences will be available for the adventuresome (special fees and some restrictions apply). These include:

  • Spooktacular Carousel ($2 per person)
  • The Halloween Express Train ($4 per person)
  • The  Headless Horseman of Sleepy  Hollow Tour ($2 per person)
  • Kaman’s Handimals (starts at $10)
  • Kaman’s Face Painting (starts at $8)
  • Kaman’s photo packages (start at $15)
  • Louisville Youth Board Face painting and sand art ($1-$4)

The Zoo will close early for regular daytime visitors on nights when the Halloween event takes place: gates close at 3 p.m. and guests can enjoy the Zoo until 4 p.m.

Halloween Party guests can enter starting at 5 p.m. Last entry is at 8:30 p.m.

This event is one of the Zoo’s major fundraising events and requires a special ticket for all visitors ages three and older. Advanced online tickets are on sale now at www.louisvillezoo.org.  Some of the event nights sell out so the Zoo encourages guests to reserve early. This event is rain or shine. No refunds or exchanges.

Halloween Party ticket prices are as follows:

Non-Louisville Zoo members are $9 per person for an advanced online ticket for a specified night and $10 for a ticket the night of the event at the admission windows based on availability. Starting Sept. 26 guests can buy tickets at area Meijer locations for $7.50 that are valid any night of the event.

Louisville Zoo members are $1 per person for the first two weekends (Oct. 3-5 and 9-12) and must be purchased in advance online for a specific evening using valid Member I.D.; the remaining dates are $4.50 per person — Oct. 16-19 and 23-26 and 30 — and must be purchased in advance online for a specific evening using valid Member I.D.  Louisville Zoo members can also purchase a ticket for $5 at the Zoo admission windows any night of the event based on availability.

Groups of 15 or more can purchase discounted tickets online or by contacting the Zoo’s Group Sales department at 238-5348 at least 72 hours in advance.

Parking is $5 per car (cash) in the Zoo lot for all those attending the Halloween event including Louisville Zoo members. Limited free parking is available with free shuttle to the Zoo at Derby City ballfield. Limited free shuttle service nightly beginning at 5 p.m.

For more details and answers to frequently asked questions about the Halloween Party, visit www.louisvillezoo.org/halloween

“The World’s Largest Halloween Party!” presented by Meijer is also made possible by the sponsorship of PNC Grow Up Great, Ford Motor Company and Subway. Additional sponsors include UPS, Kentucky Education Savings Plan Trust (KESPT), Advanced ENT & Allergy, Nimlock/Sign Crafters and Louisville Metro Council President Jim King and District 10 residents. Contributing sponsors are: Caufield’s Novelty, Inc. and Jason Philpot Hay Co.  Booville sponsors are: Chili’s Grill and Bar, Delta Dental of Kentucky, Gattiland, Louisville Ballet, Lead Safe Louisville and Metro PCS.

 

Please Note:

Costumes/Masks: Adults may wear costumes but we ask that they be family-friendly (not scary please). And since this event caters to small children, adults may NOT wear masks that cover the face. The Zoo reserves the right to ask adults to remove masks.

Animals: Visit some of our late night Party animals (weather-permitting).  You are most likely to see maned wolves, snow leopards, bongos, rhinos and giraffes.  Many of the animals have early bedtimes this time of year. The HerpAquarium remains open during the event so you can visit our creepy and crawliest inhabitants.

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, 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 Kyle Shepherd at 502-744-5639 (media cell) or by calling the Zoo’s receptionist at (502) 459-2181 ext. 0.

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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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About Louisville Zoo, 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 Alliance of Museums (AAM) and by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

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