The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Utica Zoo Spooktacular returns Oct. 23
UTICA >> Kids and adults alike can dress up in their favorite costumes to attend the Utica Zoo’s 28th annual Spooktacular event this month.
Spooktacular is a three day Halloween and fall harvest themed event taking place on Oct. 23 and 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. and Oct. 25 from noon to 4 p.m.
The Utica Zoo will open at noon on Sunday. Spooktacular is a rain or shine event with free parking at the Utica Zoo. Additional free parking will be available at the Parkway Rec Center and MVCC with bus shuttles running to and from the zoo
Admission is $ 3 per person on Friday and Saturday.
Sunday is $3 for Utica Zoo Members and $5 for non-members.
A members- only line will be available all three days. Infants get in free.
Admission includes trick- or-treating at 13 different stations throughout the Zoo.
Dancers from Ma- ria Christina’s School of Dance will perform the famous ‘ Thriller’ dance on Friday and Saturday nights..
Those who are feeling brave can ride the Haunted Hayride through the zombie apocalypse; cost is $3, not included in admission.
Spooktacular memories can be relived through pictures by Whitesboro Fun Pix.
Food trucks and vendors will be there, including Grapevine Gyros, Holy Smoques BBQ Fusion and Gypsy Lady Pizza (Sunday only). Most vendors are cash-only and an ATM is located on site near the Wildlife Hall.
Sunday’s activities tend to give more of a fall festival feeling.
Some parents may find Sunday the best option for bringing young kids because they will be able to see the animals in the daylight and Sunday’s atmosphere is less scary.
Sunday also features Autumn Avenue in the pavilion, with vendors like Candy Jar Confections, Tibbitts Maple, and Scentsy.
Remsen Social Club will perform live bluegrass music on Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. through the use of banjos, harmonicas and harps.
Sponsorships and volunteer opportunities are still available.
Email events@uticazoo.org for more info. To stay up to date on all things Utica Zoo, visit UticaZoo.org, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @ UticaZoo.