Louisville Zoo to hold the sweetest Halloween party in town

Meijer presents “The World’s Largest Halloween Party!”
at the Louisville Zoo October 9-11, 15-18, 22-25 and 28-30, 2009

((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 9-11, 15-18, 22-25 and 28-30, 2009) 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 28th annual community tradition provides not-so-scary fun for families and features costumed characters and fanciful, larger-than-life storybook scenes throughout the Zoo. Plus there’s trick-or-treating for kids 11 and under, carousel rides and other exciting activities. (Note: Special fees apply to optional rides and attractions.) 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 the “Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow” sponsored by Councilman Jim King, District 10. Designed with older kids in mind, this experience (which requires a special fee) will transport guests to the Zoo’s wetlands area where a storyteller will tell the true tale of the Headless Horseman.

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 29-30 the fun will start before guests even enter the party when they visit Meijer’s Mobile Virtual Playground at the Zoo’s front entrance.

On October 10, 17 and 24, New York Life Insurance Company will host a Safety ID station for kids and give away free safety ID kits to families.

Also be sure to check out:

• Councilman Jim King’s District 10 Astro Disco

• Momslikeme.com’s Mumpkin the Talking Pumpkin

• Kentucky Education Savings Plan Trust’s Super Hero City

• PNC’s Grow Up Great Storybook Land

• Becker Law Office’s Fairy Tale Swamp

• A famous builder character and his machine team at the Glacier Run construction site (NEW!)

 “The World’s Largest Halloween Party!” presented by Meijer is a treasured Kentucky event, and Kentucky Tourism Council recently named the 14-night party one of the “Top 10” Kentucky events for Fall 2009. The event draws more than 85,000 visitors each year.

The Zoo closes to daytime visitors at 3 p.m. on event days (October 9-11, 15-18, 22-25 and 28-30, 2009) and Halloween guests can enter from 5 to 8:30 p.m. A special ticket for the event is required for all visitors age 3 and up. The party is free for Louisville Zoo members (and any persons covered by their membership) on select nights—October 9-11 and 15-18.  Members must purchase tickets for other nights.

Ticket price is $8 per person at the Zoo or to avoid lines and save, one can purchase advance discounted tickets ($7-7.50) online now at www.louisvillezoo.org or for $6.50 at local participating Meijer stores beginning September 28. 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. 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, Becker Law Office, Kentucky Education Savings Plan Trust and Councilman Jim King District 10.

Additional support is provided by Fetter Group, Carnes and Setzer Transportation, Chili’s Grill and Bar, Delta Dental of Kentucky, New York Life Insurance Company, Caufield’s, The Little Clinic, Wolter Chiropractic and Lead Safe Louisville Project.

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

Please Note:

The HerpAquarium is open during the event. But most of the Zoo’s animals, for their health and safety, 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.

And since this event is geared toward young children, adults may NOT wear masks that cover their face.

—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 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.