Howl-O-Ween at the Phoenix Zoo a success
By Cassandra Starboard, November 2009
Staff Writer
As darkness fell, the monsters and masks of the night slowly began to engulf the Phoenix Zoo as they hosted their Howl-O-Ween event for the public on Friday October 30, 2009.
Photo by Chris Hunt |
| Miranda Newcomer (Zombie), Courtney Smith (Vampire), Clara Wagner (Werewolf) volunteer at the Phoenix Zoo? |
The fright-filled night was four-hours-long, filled with food, fun and delight, starting at 6:30 p.m. and ending at 10:30 p.m. Advised by Chris Hunt, the Honors Program at PVCC volunteered its time by taking part in the activities held that evening.
Upon arrival, honors students were given name tags and a designated area to supervise for the night. Each activity was branded at a scare level. One skull meant not so scary, two skulls meant scarier, while three skulls meant the scariest.
Situated alongside the main lake, the Dare to be Scared booth was lined with children and parents as they tested their bravery by sticking their hands in covered boxes while having to guess what eerie object lay inside. From fake eyeballs to real chicken feet, each box was sure to cast a scream from the daring participants.
PVCC’s own, Lyndsey Grinstead, was able to join in the fun as she helped supervise the table along with two other others students from Arizona State University and Glendale Comunity College.
“It’s a safe environment for kids to have fun and be scared as opposed to being in the streets,” said Grinstead of her dedication to volunteerism.
Neighboring booths, such as Dia De Los Muertos, were surrounded by mobs of children dressed in Dora, cheerleader and jester costumes. Here, the youngsters were able to create flowers out of colored tissue paper, participate in arts and crafts and even have their faces painted by other city volunteers.
Halloween Movies, overlooked by Puma Press’ sports editor, Trey Warren, was a secluded theatre area, set up with chairs and a large screen, where children and parents were able to comfortably sit and enjoy six-minute, Looney Tune movies.
On the other side of the park was a dance floor with disco lights as Michael Jackson music protruded through the speakers and filled the brisk air at DJ Jams. As the temperature continued to drop and nighttime had now completely blanketed the sky, the Phoenix Zoo became the grounds for ghoulish creatures of all kind.
Vampires, ninjas and princesses strolled through the grassy fields and walkways that led to a large eating area, consumed with the aroma of pizza, hot dogs and pretzels, for tired guests to rest and regain energy at.
Here you could find a carousel, concession stands filled with popcorn and candy and even karts stacked with glow sticks that were available for sale. The night didn’t end here! For those interested in a more vivacious experience, a trained staff member held a live owl perched on her arm for show and tell.
Adjacent to this exhibit was the Mad Science booth. Attendants were able to fling small objects from a hand-held apparatus and draw electricity with the kinetic energy ball. No matter the preference of the night, the event was sure to satisfy the curiosity and energy of the audacious youth. |
