Families gathered at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo in Monroe on Saturday for the annual Boo at the Zoo Halloween celebration, KNOE reported. The community event offered a family-friendly space for children to wear costumes, collect candy, and experience holiday-themed activities.
Monroe Zoo Hosts Annual Halloween Event
The Louisiana Purchase Zoological Society, the zoo’s nonprofit partner that organizes and oversees Boo at the Zoo, designed the gathering to give families a space to enjoy Halloween.
“I think it brings joy to the kids. I think it’s something for them to do because I know in the day we live in, it’s not very safe to let your kids go trick or treating. And it gives the kids an opportunity to dress up in their favorite costume and come and get candy,” said Monica Boudreaux, president of the Louisiana Purchase Zoological Society.
Children participated in trick-or-treat tables, a costume contest, games, food trucks, vendors, and boat and train rides throughout the zoo grounds.
Returning Visitors Experience Zoo Updates
For attendees like Gwen Sammons and her daughter, Grace Sammons, the event served as a chance to revisit the grounds and explore recent updates while celebrating the holiday.
“There’s always something new here. So to be able to come on Halloween when we haven’t been in a while, we just get to see what’s new and celebrate and share this special day. Halloween’s one of our favorite holidays, so we figure we share it with one of our favorite places,” Gwen Sammons said.
Grace Sammons echoed that sentiment, noting the appeal of returning to the property. “Like my mom said, I just like coming here to the zoo, and since it’s been a while, I want to see what’s new and get to see the animals again,” she said.
