The night air was much chillier on Halloween than in previous weeks, however, the conditions did not deter young ghouls and goblins from seeking out their sugary snacks Thursday evening.
Local trick-or-treating activities on All Hallows Eve began, as always, at the David Traylor Zoo with the annual Boo in the Zoo. More than 1,000 children and families passed through the zoo’s gates for the 90-minute event which was very impressive to new Zoo Director Brenda Young who was taking part in her first Emporia Boo in the Zoo.
Young tells KVOE News Thursday was a great event not only for the zoo and its residents, but for herself as well as it provides a great opportunity to engage with residents and receive some helpful input.
Emporia Friends of the Zoo Board President Debbie Williams says it is always great to see such a strong turnout for Boo in the Zoo and other community events. Williams says the turnout illustrates the zoo’s prominence within the community.
The hunt for sweets didn’t stop at the zoo, as when the sun went down trick-or-treating activities spilled out into the greater Emporia area into the late evening hours. Thursday’s activities concluded a week’s worth of Halloween-centered events following the annual Dia De Los Muertos celebration and Emporia Main Street downtown trick-or-treating event from this past Saturday.
With children returning home with hefty bags full of candy and sweets parents are reminded it is important to inspect all treats before their children consume them. Parents should especially be on the lookout for loose or unpackaged candy and if they do find some it is best to throw it away.
Click here for a YouTube Short from Boo in the Zoo.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
