‘Wicked Woods’ entertains and educates
They might not be playing “hide and ghost seek,” but adults in costumes will enjoy Halloween fun and games beneath the stars at the Wicked Woods Party 7:30-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, 4501 Woodway Drive.
“It will be similar to the ‘Howl at the Moon’ party last year, with stations set up along a trail, with food and drinks and live critters,” said Amy Barton, the center’s marketing and development associate.
Last year’s event had a three-course meal with wine pairings, while the Wicked Woods Party will have four food stations, provided by A La Carte Catering, and beers from local breweries, including Saint Arnold Brewing Co., Southern Star Brewing, Karbach Brewing Co. and Town in City Brewing Co.
“It’s a lot of fun and it can be spooky, but there is an educational component, too,” said Barton. “At each station, you’ll get the chance to see wildlife up close while learning something new about these magnificent creatures: think creatures that lurk in the woods at night.”
“My favorite part last year was meeting people,” said Ross Winegar, an Upper Kirby resident who borrowed a Superman tshirt for his costume.
He recalled candles lighting the trail, which led to a “socializing area” and a meadow where telescopes were set up.
“It was pretty cool,” said Winegar, who is an economist. “It was intrigue that led to science that led to a good time.”
Barton, who wore a sparkly dress and pink wig for “a Mardi Gras” feel, remembers guests dressed as sumo wrestlers, “Anchorman” Ron Burgundy with a date, Rick Grimes eluding zombies from AMCTV’s “The Walking Dead,” and others in “elaborate masquerade costumes and fancy gowns.”
Winegar said he met “Cat Girl.”
“We went out for drinks later,” he said.
“The lantern-lit trail has something of a romantic feel,” said Barton, “but it’s also a party you can enjoy with friends.”
At the last station, guests will be treated to a lesson on snakes by Clint Pustejovsky of Texas Snakes & More, a Houstonbased company that hosts snake and reptile shows.
Following dessert, music and games in the meadow, guests will exit the woods via hayride, said Barton.
Guests must be ages 21 and older, she added, and only 250 tickets will be sold, to accommodate the limited space along the trail and the meadow.
Pre-registration is required; no tickets will be sold at the door.
Admission is $50 per Arboretum member, $75 for a nonmember, but Barton noted, buying a couples membership and purchasing two tickets at the member price is equal to buying two tickets at the nonmember price.
An annual membership offers discounts to classes and events and privileges such as early entrance to the center’s native plant sales, she said.
“Dress comfortably for your walk through the woods,” said Barton.
For further information, call 713-681-8433 or visit www.houstonarboretrum.org.