Press Releases
October 23, 2008
Halloween-Fest Night Visit On Friday, October 24th
The Maine Wildlife Park, on Route 26 in Gray, will celebrate its 4th Annual – and extremely popular – HALLOWEEN-FEST NIGHT VISIT on Friday, Oct. 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the first phase of the new moon. The Milky Way will stand out as it stretches across the evening sky.
The Maine Wildlife Park will open to the public for this special ‘night visit’, so visitors can view our wildlife at night.
The Ancient Celtic customs of Halloween included wearing costumes to confuse the spirits and ghouls walking among us, carrying gourd/pumpkin lamps to light paths through the leafy darkness, and trading protections from mischief for candy and treats. The date of Halloween was set by the Celts to note the mid-point between the Autumn Equinox and the Winter Solstice.
Adults and kids should wear their costumes to get into the spirit of Halloween, while enjoying a crisp fall evening with our wildlife. Halloween decorations and lit Jack O’ Lanterns throughout the park, a haunted tree trail, spooky stories for kids, a costume contest, face painting, three Halloween game stations and more will add to the excitement.
You can bring your own flashlights, or some may be available to purchase at the gate. We will provide red cellophane to cover your flashlight beams, which will help improve your night vision. Volunteer guides will be stationed at special exhibits to talk a bit about the animals’ nightlife. Kids can have their pictures taken with furry mascots Moxie Moose and Kennebago Bear in full costume!
Halloween-Fest Events:
- Halloween Story Time just for Tots
Games
- Pin the Tail on the Moose
- Monster Mash
- Face Painting
Costume Contests for:
- Ages: 0-3
- 4-8
- 9-13
- 14 & up
Great Pumpkin Hunt:
- Find the 2 largest pumpkins in the park!
Haunted Woods Trail
- Hike along the Tree Trail – if you dare!
The regular admission fee will be charged for this special night visit.
This special program will be postponed to the rain date if necessary; call the park automated answering line @ 657-4977 for up to date information on the day of the hike. (Rain date Saturday, Oct. 25, same time)
The Nature Store will be open for spooky souvenirs and the Snack Shack will have donuts and cider available, along with its regular selection of snacks!
The Wildlife Park Nature Store is full of new wildlife and nature merchandise for all ages; and the Friends of the Maine Wildlife Park “Snack Shack” sells ice cream, soda and light snacks, with all monies raised donated to the Wildlife Park for wildlife exhibit improvements and new construction.
The Maine Wildlife Park has over 30 species of native wildlife on display, plus wildlife gardens, nature trails, and other interactive exhibits and displays. The park is open daily through Nov. 11 from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; visitors must leave the premises by 6 p.m.
Admission to the park is free for ages 3 and under; $4 ages 5-12; $6 for adults, and $4.50 for seniors. Groups of 15 or more are $3 per person. Bring a picnic and spend the day! Family and Community Season Passes are available, and are an incredible bargain for families and groups that visit the park several times over the course of the summer.
For more information about any of these programs, please call the Maine Wildlife Park at
207-657-4977; or check us out online at www.mainewildlifepark.com or www.mefishwildlife.com.
