Pt. Defiance seeking performers for Zoolights

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium seeks performing groups to entertain for the 16th annual Zoolights display. Performances will be on the new covered amphitheater stage.

School and other performing groups should apply no later than Nov. 1. The staff is especially interested in featuring multicultural performers, but all groups will be considered.

Zoolights 2003 opens on Friday, Nov. 28, and runs through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2004. The glittering display will show off the new Zoo hub and covered amphitheater to great effect.

Zoolights features dazzling light displays depicting local landmarks, including Mount Rainier and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, as well as animal animations, nursery rhyme characters and other designs.

Although amphitheater programming won’t officially begin until next spring, entertainers will perform on the covered, heated stage during Zoolights. The facility has covered seating for 350 people.

Entertainers interesting in performing should contact the Zoo marketing staff at 253/404-3636.

Zoolights tickets are $4 for all ages ($3.50 if purchased in advance).

Advance tickets will be sold at Albertson’s stores in Pierce, King, Snohomish, Thurston and Kitsap counties, starting in mid-November.

The display will be closed Dec. 1-3 and Dec. 24-25.

Local zoos celebrate KidsDay
In other zoo-related news, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park are teaming with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Pierce County to celebrate National KidsDay on Sunday, Aug. 3.

On that day, one child gets in free to Northwest Trek or the Zoo when accompanied by a paying adult. For example, with a family of four, both adults would pay and both children would get in free.

National KidsDay, observed the first Sunday in August, celebrates and honors America’s youth. The observance was created by Boys & Girls
Clubs of America and Kid Peace in an effort to encourage parents to spend meaningful time with children. This year’s honorary chairwoman is actress Leeza Gibbons.

For more information, contact the following organizations:
– Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, www.pdza.org or 253/591-5337;

– Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, www.nwtrek.org or 360/832-7189;

– Boys and Girls Clubs of Pierce County, www.bg-clubs.com, or 253/572-8440; and

– National Kids Day, www.kidsday.net.