The sweetest party in town is almost here.

On October 4-5, 9-12, 16-19 and 23-26, 2008, Meijer presents “The World’s Largest Halloween Party!” at the Louisville Zoo where you can dress up in your wildest costume and set off on a magical journey through the Zoo.

This special 27th annual community tradition provides not-so-scary fun for families with costumed characters and fanciful storybook scenes throughout the Zoo. Plus there’s trick-or-treating for kids 11 and under, the Headless Horseman, Halloween Express Train ride and more! 

This year in an effort to be “green,” we are encouraging children to bring their own trick-or-treat bag to the event.

“The World’s Largest Halloween Party!” at the Zoo is a treasured Kentucky tradition, and Kentucky Tourism Council recently named the 14-night event one of the “Top 10” Kentucky events for Fall 2008. The event draws more than 85,000 visitors each year.

“The World’s Largest Halloween Party!” presented by Meijer is a special ticketed event, and free for Zoo members in 2008. Tickets are required for all visitors age 3 and up. To avoid lines and save, purchase advance discounted tickets online now at louisvillezoo.org or at participating Meijer stores.

Price is $8 per person at the Zoo or

• Discounts for advance tickets are available online, at participating Kentuckiana Meijer store locations beginning September 29 and for groups of 15 or more

• Present your Best Buy Rewards Zone card at the Zoo ticket window on Friday nights for a special discount

• Free for Zoo members

Parking is $3 at the Zoo, or take advantage of free parking and shuttle bus service from Derby City Ball Field (located off Poplar Level Road by the Watterson Expressway). Shuttles start about 15 minutes prior the beginning of the event and do not stop until the last car leaves the ball field.

Times for the “The World’s Largest Halloween Party!” are:

• Thursdays and Fridays: 5 to 8 p.m. (Zoo closes to daytime visitors at 3 p.m.)

• Saturdays and Sundays: 4 to 8 p.m. (Zoo closes to daytime visitors at 2 p.m.)

Be sure to check out:

• Best Buy/Geek Squad Superhero City (New this year!)

• Pirate’s Island

• AEGON’s Bedrockopolis

• Becker Law Office Snow White’s Forest

• Momslikeme.com Mumpkin the Talking Pumpkin

• Kentucky Education Savings Plan Trust Kingdom of Far Far Away

• PNC Grow Up Great Storybook Land

• Mad Hatter’s Tea Party

• Muggles & Magic Halloween Express Train with the Headless Horseman ($3)

• The Spooktacular Haunted Carousel ($1.50)

• And much, much more!

“The World’s Largest Halloween Party!” presented by Meijer is also made possible by the sponsorship of Coca-Cola, Best Buy/Geek Squad and Momslikeme.com, with additional support from PNC Grow Up Great, AEGON, Becker Law Office, Kentucky Education Savings Plan Trust, Yellowbook, Snyder’s of Hanover, LifeSavers and Councilman Jim King.

Special thanks to: Delta Dental of Kentucky, American Family Dental Group, The Kentucky Center for Orthodontics PSC, Lead Safe Louisville Project, Top Trumps and Caufield’s Novelty Inc.

ROAD CLOSURES: Illinois Ave. will be closed to through traffic (except for local residents) during the event nights.

Please Note:  For their health and safety, most of the Zoo’s animals are not on exhibit during “The World’s Largest Halloween Party!” presented by Meijer. While some of them have the choice of being outside to greet party-goers, for most of them it is healthier to follow their typical evening routine and settle inside for the night at the normal time.

—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 Manager Kara Bussabarger at (502) 238-5331 or cell (502) 744-5639.

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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).