Boo at Zoo brings out new breed of animal
AKRON — Exhibit animals are
getting some nights off as residents dressed as clowns,
witches, superheroes and other characters are converging
at the Akron Zoo to provide the bulk of the attraction
during the 18th annual Boo at the Akron Zoo.
 The
event is an 11-day, nonscary Halloween event that has
become one of the area’s largest costume parties,
according to zoo officials. It allows zoo-goers the
opportunity to enjoy the
facility in a different light, and perhaps gives regular
zoo inhabitants the opportunity to be observers for
a change.
Sights included Clint Speicher, 8, of Kenmore, shown below, dressed as Aragorn from “The Lord of The Rings.” He uses Anduril (Aragorn’s sword) to slay one of the zoo’s many wooden mythical creatures, while Spencer Kalavity, 9, of Fairlawn, pictured at top right, shows off his costumed muscles as The Man of Steel, aka Superman.
Shown above from left, Nathan Fijal, Todd Simpson, Nancy Rinz, Anthony Montagno and Bill and Isabella Rinz make their way down the not-so-yellow, not-so-brick road dressed as characters from “The Wizard of Oz,” while Jordan Wright, 2, of Fairlawn, shown at right, finds herself drawn to a large, glowing inflatable pumpkin while dressed as the famous Disney fairy Tinkerbell.
The zoo will continue to host
its Halloween event today through
Oct. 22 and Oct. 26-29 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The cost
is $8 for trick-or-treaters and $4 for observers. Akron
Zoo members can observe for free. Member trick-or-treat
tickets are $1 off if purchased in person at the zoo’s
box office or at any Acme location.
 
— By Mike D’Agruma
Photos: Ken Crisafi
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