by kellie abrahamson kabrahamson1@aol.com
This weekend more than 600 people attended the 2nd annual ZOObilee Splash ‘N Bash at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. The unique and completely unforgettable event was fun for the whole family and all proceeds went toward a terrific cause: funding educational programs and maintaining our world-class zoo and gardens. EU was there to give you a look at what you may have missed.
I spoke with Jacksonville Zoo representative Linda Crofton during the 2007 ZOObilee and she was quite pleased with the turn-out and the remarkable efforts of all the vendors on hand.
“We’re really proud of all our vendors and the support they’ve given this event,” she said. “They were excited to be a part of it because they realize what the Zoo can do for the community as an economic base and from an environmental standpoint.”
Truly a family affair, children had plenty to do and see during this one-of-a-kind fundraiser. All around the party area, zookeepers showed off cool animals and answered questions about them. Radio Disney was on hand, spinning kid-friendly tunes in the Play Park as little ZOObilee guests frolicked in the Splash Ground to cool off and moms and dads relaxed nearby. Over in the Great Lawn, a giant waterslide gave kids another chance to get wet and a dunking booth and inflatable bounce house provided a great deal of amusement. A carnival area was set up in the Range of the Jaguar courtyard, where kids played fun games for cool prizes. Carousel and train rides were popular with many families as well. Of course, celebrities like ROAR Cheerleaders and JaZOO were also on hand to give kids young and old an autograph and some big laughs.
Adults were able to cut loose and have a good time too. A silent auction was held throughout the evening, giving people a chance to bid on terrific activities and collector’s items for the whole family. Up for bid were a weekend package to the Sea and Sky Spectacular, Arthur Murray Ballroom Dancing Lessons, a Play Park party for 60 guests, an autographed football from Marcus Stroud and much, much more. Camera Craft took beautiful, free family portraits throughout the evening. Grown-ups were also able to indulge in adult-friendly libations and upbeat tunes at the Range of the Jaguar. The ZOObilee wrapped up with former Jaguar superstar Tony Bosselli drawing the name of the lucky winner of a Coggin Chevrolet Trailblazer.
Delicious food was in no short supply as vendors from all over the city offered up some of their most popular menu items. With their Chile Noodle Salad and Peanut-Lime Slaw Crisps, Blue Bamboo was a huge hit with the adults along with Bonefish Grill, who served up their popular Bang Bang Shrimp and Ahi Tuna Sashimi. Kids in attendance were in heaven with nuggets from Chick-fil-A, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches from Jason’s Deli and all the Bluebell Ice Cream, Rita’s Italian ices’, and Krispy Kreme donuts they could eat. Cinotti’s Bakery provided some adorable animal-shaped cakes for Cake Walks, along with scrumptious mini-tarts and other sweet treats. Eleven South Bistro dressed up mac and cheese with huge chunks of lobster, making a delectable dish that pleased the whole family. Bubba Burgers, Heirlooms Culinary Market, Jamba Juice, Johnny Carino’s, One Hot Cookie and Sierra Grill were also on hand with plenty of yummy food to nibble on.
My family and I had a terrific time at the ZOObilee, as did all of the people I spoke with throughout the evening. While raising funds to help with the up-keep of the Zoo and support the facility’s exceptional educational programs were a big priority, fun was high on the agenda as well.
“That’s what we want,” explained Crofton. “We want everybody to come to the Zoo and see how much fun it is. Even without all the games and things, you can come to the Zoo and have a blast just walking through the park and experiencing it with the children.”
If you happened to miss the 2007 ZOObilee, take heart: the event will happen again this time next year and will no doubt be even more fun. If you simply can’t wait that long, you can visit the Jacksonville Zoo anytime during their regular hours of admission. Call (904) 757-4463 for those hours. Be sure to keep in mind that even more big Zoo events are coming up in the next few weeks. For a complete listing of upcoming Zoo happenings, visit jaxzoo.org.
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