Boo at the Zoo

Having been around the galaxy as much as I have, you tend to look for things that stand the test of time.  There is a rich history of trooping at Cleveland Metroparks “Boo at the Zoo” since long before Great Lakes Base even existed.  While some would argue that makes this particular event boring, it doesn’t as Great Lakes Base, Ohio Garrison and Rancor Clan return for another FUN tour at this Cleveland area tradition.

“Boo at the Zoo” is a family friendly event, hosted by the Cleveland Metropark Zoo, where they decorate the zoo in lights and other non-scary Halloween entertainment as families get to visit many of the animals and exhibits.  “Boo at the Zoo” features: animal shows, a Not-So Haunted Greenhouse, train rides, a hay maze, along with dozens of stilt walker and other entertainers.  And despite your typical NE Ohio late-October weather (cold and rainy) this event was once again SOLD OUT!

One of the things I like most about trooping “Boo at the Zoo” is that it’s a reminder about what trooping should be all about.  Over the years, I’ve developed friendships with many of the other costumed performers who work EVERY night of the event.  For example, there’s this man who plays a stilt-walking clown called “Pee-Chee” that has been part of this event for as long as I can remember.  As it turned out, he had recently gone through major heart surgery – and yet he’s back out there making kids smile (a little shorter then I remember him) which means he’s got more “heart” then a lot of people.

The other thing I love about trooping during “Boo at the Zoo” is to watch the people coming in get dressed up for Halloween; even when you have to find a costume that goes with your winter coat over it.  As you can imagine, there were A LOT of Elsa and Anna from Disney’s “Frozen”, Superheroes and all the usual favorites.  As an avid Star Wars fan, I was pleased to see many kids dressed up as Star Wars characters: Darth Vaders of all sizes, a few Jedi younglings, Captain Rex and the clones are still popular and even Ezra from the NEW “Star Wars Rebels.”

GLB "Mission Photos" -- Cleveland Metroparks "Boo at the Zoo"

Once our group was free to wander the zoo, we made our way up the hill to the Wolf Lodge; where our favorite pair of costumed Cellists who will play a selection of Star Wars music whenever we spot us walk in!  Later, we got to meet Chad Schofield from the Cleveland Gladiators arena football team.  This is another reason why I love coming back for this event: our guys do a little work… then get to have fun!

We have one more weekend at “Boo at the Zoo” this weekend, so I’ll try reporting on some of the new additions to Cleveland Metroparks in my next report; after I enjoy some funnel cake!