Lights, cameras … animals? All were on hand for the unveiling of the newly constructed Chesapeake Pavilions on Thursday, October 23, just in time to kick off this year’s “Boo at the Zoo” festivities.
“We are excited about finally having a wonderful site to host events like this, which are so important to the zoo,” said Mike Fouraker, Executive Director of the Fort Worth Zoo. “We are grateful to Chesapeake Energy, whose contributions made this possible.”
The Chesapeake Pavilions are 30,000 square feet of much-needed event space, which can be used to host several of the zoo’s annual events including the Zoo Ball, Beastro and Boo at the Zoo. Artificial turf landscaping and 15,000 square feet of covered patio make the pavilions an ideal location for a variety of events, ranging from company picnics to private parties, which help generate revenue for zoo projects and keep admission prices low.
The space was put to use immediately after the ceremonial ribbon-cutting kicking off the Boo at the Zoo event. More than 60, high-energy fifth grade students from nearby Lilly B. Clayton Elementary School dashed throughout the pavilion, sampling all the tricks and treats to be had at the extravaganza. Game stations with a Halloween flair were positioned throughout the main pavilion, allowing the youngsters to test their skills at troll bean bag toss, a haystack maze and a black cat ring toss. To top it all off, the morning romp turned into an educational experience as the students witnessed an assortment of animals at the Wild Wonders animal show. All in attendance were in good “spirits” and Chesapeake’s Vice President of Corporate Development Julie H. Wilson even got into the act, taking her turn in the bounce house with a group of students.
Amongst the cries of laughter and squeals of fun, a chant of “Yay Chesapeake!” could be heard. It was longtime Fort Worth Zoo board member Debbie Head who added, “We are proud of this pavilion and proud of our partnership with Chesapeake.”