Category Archives: Holidays

BOO AT THE ZOO Adult Preview Tonight; BOO continues Oct 19, 24-31, Nov 1

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7_boobatlogoThe state’s largest Halloween festival returns with the annual Boo at the Zoo.  It runs Sunday, October 19, resumes October 24 – October 31 and concludes with a special Day of the Dead on November 1.  Hours are 6pm to 9pm.

Boo at the Zoo features trick-or-treating in a safe environment along with dozens of rides, activities, and other spooky attractions.  Tickets are $10 for general admission and $20 for all-inclusive wristband admission. Wristband admission includes all rides, attractions, and activities free of charge except for food vendors and fortune telling. Zoo members receive a $5 discount on any Boo at the Zoo ticket purchase. Tickets may be purchased in advance online at www.LittleRockZoo.com/boo or at the Zoo’s front gate.

Tonight is the Boo Preview Adults Only Night

Adults can preview Boo at the Zoo at the adults-only BOO Preview on Thursday, October 17, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Guests will “trick-or-treat” for tasty beverages and groove to the tunes of a live cover band.  All attractions and amenities of BOO will be available during Adult Night and guests are encouraged to wear costumes for the costume contest.  Cost is $25 per person and tickets can be purchased in advance at www.littlerockzoo.com/boopreview or by calling (501) 666-2406.

 

Some highlights for this year’s event include:

New Haunted Train – The Haunted Train is back! With the addition of the new Diamond Express Train at the Little Rock Zoo this year Boo at the Zoo will have a spectacular Haunted Train ride appropriate for kids and adults of all ages! This year’s Haunted Train ride will feature a black light tunnel and other fun scenery.

 

“Day of the Dead” Celebration Nov. 1 – For the second year in a row, Boo at the Zoo will open an additional night on Saturday, November 1, for Dia de los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead”, a holiday traditionally celebrated in Mexico and other parts of the world to honor and remember the dead.  The Zoo has partnered with Hola! Arkansas to showcase this special evening, which will showcase customs common to the holiday and will feature salsa dancing lessons at the live music stage.  All the fun of Boo at the Zoo is also included in this special night!

 

Reusable Trick-or-Treat Bags for Members & for Sale – BOO goes green by encouraging families to bring their own, reusable trick-or-treat bags and is offering free reusable trick-or-treat bags to each member household as a perk of Zoo membership.  Zoo members can pick-up their bag at the Zoo Member Hospitality Tent located inside the event while supplies last. Regular patrons can purchase a bag for only $2 at tickets booths located inside the event.

 

Other Attractions & Amenities – There’s a lot to do at Boo at the Zoo. So much so that many find it hard to hit every attraction in one night! Below is a list of the attractions and amenities offered at Boo at the Zoo 2014:

  • Bounce Houses – Boo at the Zoo will offer several “bounce house” inflatable playhouses this year for additional tickets.  Ticket prices will vary according to the attraction but those with wristbands are admitted free every time.
  • Criminal Critters – The Zoo’s Education Outreach Department and Docent Volunteers will set-up a fun, interactive experience where children and adults alike can meet live “creatures of the night” such as owls and opossums, and can also learn about animals through a fun, interactive play are where participants guess which animal “did it.” This attraction is included with general admission.
  • Enchanted Forest – The Enchanted Forest walkway near the Zoo’s main entrance is a bewitching pathway that takes guests on a magical garden tour.  Custom animatronic plants make the Zoo’s horticulture come to life after dark! Spooky lights and special effects make this a favorite of Boo and is free with general admission.
  • Frankenstein’s Dance Party – Dr. Frankenstein will bring all the monsters out for a monster bash like no other at Frankenstein’s Dance Party! This fun dance party takes place at the main entry plaza at the Zoo under the “dome” complete with a disco ball, moving lights, and a DJ spinning all the latest family-friendly dance tunes.  Families will also enjoy watching local dance studios perform the famed “Thriller” dance in full costume and enjoy dancing the night away or watching others groove to the tunes! This attraction is included with general admission.
  • Haunted House – The Haunted House is a favorite attraction of BOO and is a great attraction for older children.  The Haunted House is not recommended for children under the age of eight but is great for those wanting a little more fright to their night! This attraction requires tickets for admission.  Those with wristbands are admitted free.
  • Kid’s Carnival Area – A favorite attraction of BOO is the Kid’s Carnival Area featuring fun games kids can play for prizes.  This new attraction has become one of the most popular areas of BOO and is great for kids who don’t like the scarier side of Halloween.  Carnival games take tickets and ticket prices vary according to the game.  All games are included with wristband admission.
  • Live Music – Every night of BOO a live band will perform in the concession courtyard, free to any person attending the event. Highlights of the live music stage are Little Rock’s popular duo Brian and Terri Kinder of KinderSongs, performing Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25. Big Stack will also perform the night of Adult Night, October 17, and local artists Almost InFamous will perform other nights.
  • Rides – Several rides will help make BOO a scream including a fun slide, swirling tubs of fun, a Ferris wheel, and other fun rides.  Rides take additional tickets and vary in price.  Those with wristbands are admitted free.
  • S ’mores Station & Free Hiland Dairy Milk – Hiland Dairy is back as a BOO sponsor and will be at the s’mores station passing-out free milk.  Orange Scream milk, chocolate milk, and low-fat milk will be offered free of charge to Zoo patrons on behalf of Hiland Dairy. There’s no better way to wash down a s’mores!  S’mores are included with trick-or-treat tickets that are given with general admission or wristband admission.
  • Toy Trick-or-Treat Option – In an effort to lessen the consumption of candy at Halloween, BOO is now offering a toy trick-or-treat option where children can trick-or-treat for toys instead of candy.  Each BOO guest gets six trick-or-treat tickets so some may choose a mixture of candy and toys.  Either way, BOO now offers fun options for the trick-or-treat experience!  Trick-or-treat tickets are provided with both general and wristband admission.
  • Parking & Shuttle Service – Parking during Boo at the Zoo is free and shuttle service will be available throughout War Memorial Park.

 

The Little Rock Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.  Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you and a better future for all living things.  With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.  For more information, visit www.aza.org.

THE GHOU-SUAL SUSPECTS will be interrogated by Red Octopus Theater this weekend

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UsualSuspects3The Ghoul-sual Suspects, the new sketch comedy show by Red Octopus Theater, runs October 16-18, 2014 at The PUBLIC Theatre, located at 616 Center Street, in downtown Little Rock, AR.  Doors will open at 7:30PM and the show will start at 8:00PM.  Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for senior citizens, military, students and anyone in costume.  No reservations are necessary and there will be refreshments available.  The show is recommended for mature audiences, child tickets are $666.

Red Octopus Theater, Arkansas’s oldest sketch comedy troupe, is proud to present their new, original Halloween extravaganza, by rounding up The Ghoul-sual Suspects!

Bela Lugosi, Lon Chaney and Boris Karloff will be homaged in “They’re All Still Dead, They’re All Still Messed Up.”  The new game show, “The Manson Family Feud” pits the Bates against the Voorhees in a deadly battle of wits. “The Witches of West Little Rock” are back featuring local eateries where the ladies lunch and learn about amazing new things.  Meanwhile, local fashion icon Fauzio is back to tout his wares in “I Have A Clown Suite Just For You!”

The new dance troupe Stomps! will perform an candy inspired routine using pumpkins and brooms in “Chocolate One! Nougat Two!”  They will be accompanied by the vocal stylists, Le Sweets, dropping their new hit single, “Creamy Candy-Corn.”  Rosemary, from “Rosemary’s Baby” will finally get her day in court in a new sketch based on the classic horror story and the sexual charisma of Transylvania will haunt you long after you witness “Vampires What Woo!”

There will be treats, possible hauntings and tricks a plenty in Red Octopus’s celebration of their favorite time of year in Red Octopus Theater presents The Ghoul-sual Suspects!

The cast includes Sandy Baskin, Krystal Berry, Alli Clark, Lesley Dancer, Drew Ellis, Michael Goodbar, Christi Seatts, Brittany Sparkles, David Weatherly and Jason Willey with special guest, Luke “Ramthor” Rowlan and a cameo by Fred Thompan. Performances are open to all ages, but recommended for mature audiences because of adult language and situations, again, child tickets are $666.

For more information please contact Red Octopus Theater at (501) 291-3896, or RedOctopusTheater@gmail.com. Red Octopus is also online at www.redoctopustheater.com.

To contact The PUBLIC Theatre, call 374-PLAY.

While downtown for Race & Foodtrucks – Stop by Rep for Costume sale

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Rep Costume saleA lot is happening downtown this Saturday. Race for the Cure, Food Truck Festival, and also the Arkansas Rep’s annual costume sale.

This is a chance to pick up a well-made, hand-crafted costume or prop or decoration for prices as low as $2.  You’ve seen it on stage at the Rep, and now you can wear it.

Halloween is around the corner.  Mardi Gras will be here in a few months.  Or maybe you just like escaping the woes of everyday life by throwing on a costume.  The Rep doesn’t question or judge.  Just be sure to stop by.  Among the shows whose clothes will be up for sale are Avenue Q, The Wiz, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, A Chorus Line and White Christmas.  (And since Christmas will be here soon, this is a good chance to pick up things for holiday entertaining!)

All proceeds benefit the Rep’s production office.

So stop by the Rep from 10am to 1pm.  You’ll be in the neighborhood anyway enjoying post-race foodtruck food!

31st Annual POPS ON THE RIVER sponsored by Arkansas Democrat Gazette; including performance by Arkansas Symphony Orchestra

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popsonriverPops on the River, presented by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, is the state’s largest Fourth of July celebration and takes place this year on Friday, July 4th in downtown Little Rock.

Pops on the River, in it’s 31st year, is FREE to the public and will begin at noon outside the main gates of the First Security Amphitheater in the River Market Pavilions with a Kid’s Pavilion and Car Pavilion. The event will also have a marketplace with shopping, food trucks, a car show and other activities below the River Market Pavilions.

2-8:30pm – Military Appreciation Tent

All Military members (active, retired or dependents) are encouraged to check-in to receive a discount card to many of the vendors at Pops on the River. Other giveaways including t-shirts and koozies will be available while supplies last.

 

12:00pm – 8:30pm – Kids Pavilion (East Pavilion) sponsored by Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Join the fun at the pavilion with free bounce houses, crafts, games and activities for the kids. Free Hiland Dairy milk for the kids.

Join us as we Salute the Troops – kid’s are invited to write a letter or color a picture to send to a service man or women serving overseas. Sponsored by St. Vincent.

 

12:30pm – 1:45pm – Jeremy Geyer performs (Pavilion Plaza)

 

2:00pm – 8:00pm – Caricatures by John Deering (Kids Pavilion)

John Deering is the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s editorial cartoonist. The fee of $10 goes to support Our House Children’s Center.

 

2:00pm – 4:00pm – Uncle Sam (Kids Pavilion)

Uncles Sam visits the kids and will perform magic tricks and make balloon animals.

 

2:15pm – 3:30pm – Valley Ray performs (Pavilion Plaza)

 

4:00pm – 5:15pm – Northeast Northwest performs (Pavilion Plaza)

 

5:30pm – Gates to amphitheater open

Chairs, blankets are encouraged. Open amphitheater seating is available, but limited. You can purchase reserved seating for $10 in advance online. No coolers or outside food or drinks. No pets or fireworks allowed.

 

5:30pm – 8:30pm – Smile Photobooth presented by Delta Dental (Kids Pavilion)

Take July 4th themed pictures in the fun photobooth and leave with a free photostrip. You can also view and get a digital copy of your photo at http://www.facebook.com/DeltaDentalAR

 

5:30pm – 9:30pm – Salute to the Troops. Sponsored by St. Vincent (Riverfront Park)

Record a video message to our men and women in the military in our Salute the Troops tent. Free t-shirts to the first 100 who record their videos.

 

6:30pm – The Oh Say! Can you Sing? Finalists perform. (First Security Amphitheater)

Help the judges decide who will sing the National Anthem with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and win $500. See the finalists online now at http://www.arkansasonline.com/sing

 

7:00pm – Air National Guard Band of the Southwest (First Security Amphitheater)

The Air National Guard Band of the Southwest, historically known as the 531st Air Force Band, has over a sixty year history of sustaining the traditions and heritage that has become the hallmark of military bands. This forty-member concert band will provide patriotic and Americana music, from Sousa to Broadway to Motown.

 

8:30pm – The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, presented by Delta Dental (First Security Amphitheater)

Conducted by Philip Mann. The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra performance is one not to miss.

 

9:15/9:30pm – Fireworks

Celebrate our nation’s independence with the Pops on the River Fireworks finale – shot over the Main Street Bridge and visible to all of downtown Little Rock.

Experience a Frontier Fourth of July at Historic Arkansas Museum

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hamlogoThis year celebrate Independence Day as it was celebrated on the Arkansas frontier. At Historic Arkansas Museum from 2pm to 4pm, there will be special activities.  The afternoon activities include an old-time patriotic parade (at 3pm), 19th century music and encounters with people from the past.

Cheer “huzzah” during a reading of The Declaration of Independence — and watch out for Red Coats, who have nothing good to say about it!

Children can walk on stilts and play other pioneer games, and they’ll be invited to take up brooms and wooden rakes to train with the militia.  They will also have the opportunity to create flags, streamers and signs to use in the parade.

Come join us for an afternoon of old-fashioned fun! All activities are free and open to the public.

Events are free.

Set a World Record on FLAG DAY

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flag bannerToday is Flag Day. A day to honor the Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, the Star-Spangled Banner.

It was 200 years ago, in 1814, that Francis Scott Key wrote the poem that became the National Anthem.  In celebration of that, the Smithsonian National Museum is working with local partners to create a nationwide attempt to break the Guinness Book of World Records for “the most people to sing a national anthem at one time.”

In Arkansas, the partner is Flag and Banner along historic 9th Street.  The singing will take place at 3pm CDT.

This official Smithsonian party will be held at Arkansas’ Flag and Banner located in downtown Little Rock to celebrate the 200th anniversary of The Star Spangled Banner. All guests are encouraged to sign up to sing during the sing-a-long which will be coordinated to happen at the same time with all the other party locations across the nation- including Ft. McHenry where the song was written. A National Guard Color Guard will present the colors during the sing-a-long which will take place at exactly 3:00 p.m.

Arkansas’ FlagandBanner.com has also partnered with the American Legion of Arkansas, local area Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts to present a dignified flag disposal ceremony to respectfully dispose of unusable U.S. Flags. Bring your their tattered and faded flags in for retirement and receive a coupon for $5 off the purchase of a new flag.

Kerry McCoy, owner of Arkansas’ FlagandBanner.com encourages everyone to come to this history making event, she said, “Flag Day is always an exciting annual event here at Flag and Banner, but this year is special because we are partnering with the Smithsonian National Museum, one of our long time customers, to make history. Come make history with us! Remember singing starts sharply at 3:00 p.m. and you must be signed up to be counted in the Guinness Book of World Records.”

During the party Arkansas celebrities will be on hand to lead the sing-a-long and give out prizes plus guests can sign up to win an in-ground residential flagpole kit with flag from Arkansas’ FlagandBanner.com. The event will include a special tribute to the troops and veterans along with a tribute to father’s since Father’s Day is this Sunday.

Refreshments and activities include free popcorn, a candy buffet and drinks-plus free games, face painting and activities for the kids at this family friendly event. Vendors selling burgers, barbecue, catfish and ice cream will also be available.

The party takes place Saturday, June 14, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Arkansas’ FlagandBanner.com offices located at 800 West 9th Street in downtown Little Rock. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information e-mail tammie@flagandbanner.com or call: (501) 375-7633.

Wave the Flag – Annual LR Wind Symphony Flag Day concert in MacArthur Park

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The Little Rock Wind Symphony’s annual Flag Day concert will take place this evening in MacArthur Park at 7pm.  Sponsored, in part by the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, the concert is the LRWS’s annual salute to the red, white, and blue.  Picnics are encouraged. There will also be free ice cream and free American flags to wave throughout the concert.

Featuring Jim Munns, baritone, the musicians of the Little Rock Wind Symphony will perform the following selections:

Morton Gould: American Salute
Leroy Anderson: Bugler’s Holiday
George Gates: Sol y Sombra
John Philip Sousa: Nobles of the Mystic Shrine
John Philip Sousa: The Glory of the Yankee Navy
Meacham / Norris: American Patrol
Rodgers and Hart: Blue Moon
Rodgers and Hammerstein: Some Enchanted Evening
Irving Berlin: God Bless America
Bob Lowden: Armed Forces Salute
Samuel Ward / Carmen Dragon: America the Beautiful
John Philip Sousa: The Stars and Stripes Forever

In case of rain, the concert will be played tomorrow evening.