Over the weekend, Manhattan’s Sunset Zoo welcomed 6,681 community members for their annual trick-or-treat event, SPOOKtacular. This event marks the conclusion of the Zoo’s annual special event season and is always a favorite of the regional community; running consecutively for 20+ years.
“Every year, we are amazed at the community turn out for this event,” said Scott Shoemaker, Zoo Director. “It’s fantastic to walk the Zoo’s trails and see so many families enjoying a great fall weekend, as well as a safe and fun trick-or-treating environment. Zoo fans can be assured, we’ll continue to host this event as the community responds in such great ways.”
Nearly 30 local businesses’ and not-for-profit organizations sponsored the candy stations throughout the five trick-or-treat trails. The event also featured a Zoo-wide Costume Contest where guests could compete in five age divisions: Infants, Tots, Kids, Teens and Adults. The top three costumes were selected in each division; winners received gift cards to the Zoo’s gift shop.
In addition to the candy trails, the Zoo’s Nature Exploration Center featured a Spooky Forest complete with some of the Zoo’s creepy crawly animal ambassadors. Live performances from KSU’s Tap Dance Ensemble, KSU’s Swingin Spurs, and Manhattan High School’s Pops and Varsity Choirs rounded out the weekend’s entertainment. Visitors also enjoyed hand-carved jack-o-lanterns by students from K-State’s College of Architecture, Planning and Design.
Behind-the-scenes over 200 volunteers and nearly two-dozen staff dedicated their evenings and weekends to make this event a success.