Jayleen Torres
Sugarbeet Staff Reporter
When witches go riding, and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers, ‘tis near Halloween.’ BOO! Halloween came early in Garden City. Friends of Lee Richardson Zoo were pleased to present the 24th annual “Boo! At The Zoo.” This event included a trick-or-treat trail with 38 ‘spooktacular’ treat stops, creepy creature encounters with zoo docents and a journey through a ghoulish graveyard. Guests came hungry with an ogre-sized appetite, at the Safari Shoppe there were many treats including Frankenweenies, Dippin Dots and other chilling flavors of Dippin’ Dots ice cream and a variety of snacks and beverages. Families supported the Zoo’s efforts to reduce waste by bringing their own trick-or-treat bag from home.
As children and family walked through the long path grabbing candy from different stations, guests had the opportunity to visit the wizarding world of Harry Potter by purchasing passage on the Hogwarts Express. Witches and wizards were able to travel through the Dark Forest while warding off dementors with their magic wands as the train makes its way back to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. Some treat stop sponsors included – Finney County EMS, Finney County Farm Bureau Association, Finney County Sheriff’s Office, Garden City EA, Garden City Police Department, GCHS Student Council, Genesis Family Health, and Girls Scouts of Kansas Heartland.
Boo! at the Zoo is a benefit for improvements at Lee Richardson Zoo. Proceeds from this year’s event will go toward the Conservation Carousel project.
Jayleen Torres is a trade and health academy sophomore. Contact her at torresj@stude.t.gckschools.com.
Garden City High School 