Boo at the Zoo puts the fun into fundraising at Columbian Park starting Oct. 20

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — It’s that time of year again, for spooky creatures and ghouls to invade the Columbian Park Zoo for its annual Boo at the Zoo fundraising event.

The event will take place from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 20, 21 and 22.

This not-so-spooky event is geared toward preschool- and elementary-aged children to have a fun night out at the zoo.

The event will feature an inflatable obstacle course, live DJ, character meet-and-greets, pumpkin patch, daily costume contests with prizes, enchanted train rides, treat stops, festive hayride, and educational opportunities throughout.

The Boo at the Zoo will also feature the community pumpkin decorating contest in which attendees may vote for their favorite pumpkin.

“Last year we saw some of our biggest crowds and welcomed over 6,100 people through the gates. We are proud to continue offering a Halloween experience with fun for the whole family,” said Neil Dale, the Zoo director at Columbian Park.

Ticket sales are now open to the public for $8 each at www.columbianparkzoo.org.

Children ages 2 years and under are free. Tickets are non-refundable. Tickets will be available at the gate for $10 each.

“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” Dale said. “We are thankful for all of the support we've been given from the community and can't wait for another year of Boo at the Zoo festivities!”

Boo at the Zoo is a fundraiser for the Lafayette Parks Foundation.

All proceeds benefit the Columbian Park Zoo and are used to fund capital improvements, various Zoo projects, and educational programs. For more information about Boo at the Zoo, please call 765-807-1540 or visit columbianparkzoo.org.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Columbian Park's Boo at the Zoo fundraising event starts Oct. 20