Photo courtesy of Amiee Stubbs
Per Matt
Beware, Nashville! There will soon be many creatures, creepy crawlies and things that go bump in the night appearing at Ghouls at Grassmere.
Hosted by The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, this family-friendly event encourages little ghosts, goblins and monsters (as well as many grown-up critters) to get into the holiday spirit. Starting this week, when the sun goes down, the Zoo will get spooky. Make sure to check out all the festive events!
Previewing the event, Marketing Coordinator Mary Brenna Corr informs us how to best celebrate the season at the park.
How did Ghouls at Grassmere get started?
– “Ghouls at Grassmere was an event that originated when the Zoo moved to the Grassmere property from Joelton in 1997. It has evolved over the years, but several features from the first year (carnival games, hayrides) still exist on a much grander scale. The event is a nighttime event held several weekends preceding Halloween. This year’s event is scheduled for Oct. 17-19 and Oct. 23-26 from 5 – 9 p.m.”
How many years has Ghouls appeared at the zoo?
– “This is our 17th year.”
How would you describe the event to someone who’s never attended it?
– “Ghouls at Grassmere is the destination for families looking to get in the Halloween spirit. Designed with kids ages 4-12 in mind, Ghouls includes trick-or-treat stations, hayrides along the Zoo backroads, carnival games, animal and magic shows, dance party, corn pit, photo ops, and lots more. All activities are included in the cost of event admission ($12 members/$15 non-members).”
Will there be any festive Halloween decorations around the animals’ exhibits?
– “There are no decorations inside the exhibits and the animals will be off exhibit during the event with the exception of the flamingos.”
What’s new at Ghouls at Grassmere for 2014?
– “We have revamped our hayride to include new animal scenes and several dinosaurs from DinoTrek appearing one last time before leaving the Zoo for good. Peppa Pig will be making appearances throughout the first weekend of the event, and our Festival Field area has been reworked to include carnival games, vortex, corn pit and haymaze. The vortex is brand new this year and will test guests’ senses as they make their way through the optical illusion.”
What are the event details for visiting with Nick Jr.’s Peppa Pig?
– “Peppa Pig will be on hand the first weekend (Oct. 17-19) doing meet-and-greets with fans. She will be making appearance throughout the evening (no specific times are set).”
Will there be candy passed out to attendees? If so, what days and times?
– “Candy is passed out to children each night of the event. This year features 20 trick-or-treat stations along the Zoo trail.”
Photo courtesy of Amiee Stubbs
I heard a rumor there will be many cosplayers attending the attraction.
– “Costumed characters will be in attendance all nights (Oct. 17-19, Oct. 23-26) of Ghouls. (Ghouls at Grassmere does not take place on Halloween.)”
Are there any costume restrictions for children attending the events?
– “No costume restrictions for kids.”
What is the best time and day for attendees to attend, to avoid crowds?
– “The first weekend (Oct. 17-19) and Thursday (Oct. 23) are the best nights to come to avoid crowds.”
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
– “Tickets for the event are all inclusive, there is no separate charge for the activities. The event runs 5 – 9 p.m. after the Zoo has closed for the day. Ghouls requires a separate ticket and is not included in Zoo admission. The event runs Oct. 17-19 and 23-26. It is NOT open on Halloween night.”
For More Information
– Ghouls at Grassmere Event Page
– Nashville Zoo Facebook
– Nashville Zoo Twitter
– Nashville Zoo Youtube
– Nashville Zoo Instagram