Southwick’s Zoo is Celebrating Its 50th Anniversary
Tuesday, June 02, 2015
Southwick's can trace its beginnings back to the 1930s with Justin Southwick's collection of exotic birds. Over time, the zoo grew and in 1965, the Southwick Wild Animal Farm was incorporated. In celebration of 50 years, Southwick's has scheduled monthly events all season long. All events, excluding EARTH Bash and the evening concerts, are included with normal zoo admission rates.
EARTH Bash will be held on June 20. Guests will be able to explore the zoo during the evening and participate in a poker run for prizes. It also includes a dinner, open bar, auction, and more. Proceeds from this event support education programs at the zoo including Wild Adventure Summer Programs, the ZooMobile, and internships. Tickets may be purchased at www.earthltd.org.
On June 28, Southwick's anniversary festivities officially being with the Gold Zoobilation, a family event featuring performances from the Puppet Brigade, Claflin Hill Youth Symphonies, face painting, and the mural artist ARCY.
On July 11 the zoo will hold Celtic Cool, a daylong event celebrating Celtic music and dance. Visitors to the zoo that day will enjoy Irish dancing, fiddling, bagpiping, face painting, and more. Daytime activities will be followed by an evening concert with performances by Blackstone Cuil, Tom Lanigan Band and Erin’s Guild.
Sounds of Africa, on August 15, will feature African music with a performance by Gaia Roots Women’s World Music Ensemble, a drumming workshop, and African cuisine. This event will also include an evening concert featuring Gaia Roots, African Balafon Player Balla Kauyote and Shanti Starr and the Afro-Reggae All Stars. Tickets for the Celtic Cool and Sounds of Africa concert can be purchased through Southwick’s Zoo’s website.
Harvest Fest, on September 12, will celebrate the bounty of fall with a farmers market featuring local produce and crafts. This event will also include a performances by the Puppet Brigade as well as the Stockwell Brothers Blue Grass Band.
The final anniversary event of the season is the week long Halloween event Zoo Boo Days. Children (3-12) in costume receive free general admission and can trick or treat in the zoo during this week. Certain animals will also receive pumpkins to eat and play with.
VW Image Courtesy of Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism-Flickr
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