Boo at the Zoo draws several thousand people to Safari Niagara
October 13, 2024 at 4:02 AM
Halloween was still 20 days away when Safari Niagara kicked off four days of its annual Boo at the Zoo event on Friday, but some see the popular gathering as the official start of the spooky season.
Terry Shisler Jr., Teri-Lee Shisler, Tyson Pitman, Tery Shisler Sr., and Sherry Schisler went with a Beauty and the Beast theme as a family costume Saturday. Credit: Kris Dubé | Fort Erie Radio“We’re practicing for trick-or-treating at the end of the month,” said Fort Erie resident Sarah Tappan on Saturday, joined by her partner Kyle, and children Watson and Emerson.
They’ve been marking it on their calendar for the last few years.
“It’s a tradition in town, I believe, and it seems a lot of people are coming from other places, too,” she said.
Talia and Aria Bradbury show off their painted pumpkins Saturday. Credit: Kris Dubé | Fort Erie RadioAdam Bradbury could be found with his daughters Talia and Aria in an area designated for pumpkin painting.
They made the trip Saturday from Welland and said they were having a great time.
“We love the Halloween season, and this is kind of an extra Halloween day,” he said.
Willow Somerville-Hunter with her Mom Taylor at Boo at the Zoo on Saturday. Credit: Kris Dubé | Fort Erie RadioSafari Niagara general manager Taryn Hipkiss didn’t have exact numbers, but said “several thousand” people had already been in attendance Saturday at about noon.
Locals have enjoyed Boo at the Zoo during the more than 10 years it’s been held, but it’s also something people from elsewhere make a road trip out of.
“Especially today, we’re seeing a lot of guests coming from outlying regions,” such as Hamilton, the Greater Toronto Area, and Kitchener-Waterloo.
“This event really has grown over the years,” she told Fort Erie Radio as people filed in and lined up to get in, many dressed in costumes.
At about 12:30 p.m., the parking lot on the west side of Stevensville Road, closest to the zoo, was nearly full, as was the large grass field used for parking on the east side of the road.
Fort Erie Radio’s midday host Steve Simkus giving a treat to Emily and Mackenzie Facette on Saturday. Credit: Kris Dubé | Fort Erie RadioMore than 100 vendors were on the grounds throughout the long weekend.
Boo at the Zoo started Friday and runs until Monday. It is one of Safari Niagara’s signature events and also a finale, as Monday is the last day the facility is open to the public until next year.
“It’s a great way to end the season,” said Hipkiss.
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About The Author
Kris Dubé
Kris is a veteran journalist who has worked in Niagara for close to 20 years. He is also a lifelong resident of Fort Erie, a place he plans to call home and raise his family for many more years.
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