[Columbia, SC] - Pumpkins, haystacks, candy and more are arriving by the truckloads as Riverbanks Zoo and Garden prepares for its 4th annual Boo at the Zoo. Families are invited to visit the Zoo after hours on the weekends of October 13-15, 20-22 and 27-30 from 6:00 to 9:00pm for an evening of trick-or-treating galore.

“Boo at the Zoo is one of our favorite family events that Riverbanks hosts. The weather is cool, and the kids love to dress up in costumes and participate in all of the Halloween activities,” said Satch Krantz, executive director of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “Riverbanks provides a safe environment for the kids and families to enjoy Halloween.”

Construction is complete on the BatZ and BonZ Castle as Riverbanks prepares for the thousands of kids that will visit the Zoo after hours. Throughout the day today, volunteers and staff members will place Halloween decorations throughout the Zoo, transforming the area into a frightfully fun spooktacular event. A trick-or-treat trail will feature twenty miniature houses for the costumed kids to enjoy.

Last year, nearly half a million pieces of candy were distributed at Boo at the Zoo and Riverbanks is preparing to distribute even more this year. Bi-Lo, a candy sponsor for the event, is delivering candy and other sweet treats by the cases to help prepare for all of the little ghost and goblins that are expected to arrive.

For your convenience, this year Riverbanks offers new print at home eTickets for Boo at the Zoo. Visit https://tickets.riverbanks.org/mainstore.asp or click on Boo at the Zoo on the homepage and you can purchase your tickets online. Purchasing and printing your tickets at home will expedite entry into the event by allowing your family to bypass the ticket line.

New activities for kids to look forward to include a frightfully fun Frankenstein’s Foam Factory that releases over 500 cubic feet of foam per minute and a hay maze. In addition, kids will enjoy Boo at the Zoo favorites such as the Mummy’s Eeky-Freaky DJ Dance Party, The Vortex Spinning Light Tunnel, Bat Cave and more.

Boo at the Zoo advance tickets are on sale and can be purchased online at www.riverbanks.org, by phone at 803.779.8717 or in person at the gate. Advance tickets are recommended for families who want to avoid the lines. Tickets are $5 for Riverbanks Society members and $7 for general public. Kids and adults are the same price but children who are under 3 and choose not to trick-or-treat are free. Some Boo activities require additional Safari Bucks that can be purchased throughout the Zoo. Boo at the Zoo runs October 13-15, 20-22 and 27-30 from 6:00 to 9:00pm each evening.