[Columbia, SC] - Big Dreams Under the Big Top is the theme of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden’s third annual Dreamnight at the Zoo. Tonight, the Zoo will open its gates to disabled and chronically ill children at Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital (PHCH) for a private carnival-themed extravaganza.

“Each year the staff at Riverbanks strives to create an environment that is bigger, better and more interactive for the kids,” said Satch Krantz, executive director of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “It is extremely rewarding for the staff and volunteers to see the smiles on the kids’ faces. The intention of the evening is to give these special children the opportunity to dream big and experience the joy of life.”

This year, children and families will be treated to the sights and sounds of a real life carnival. As families enter the Zoo, Ringmaster Ray, costumed characters and the Dream Team will greet families under a real “big top.” The main plaza will be bustling with fire-and-motion delirium dancers, stilt walkers, tribal belly dancers and clowns. A music and magic show will be performed throughout the evening.

In addition to the Zoo’s regular exhibits, touchable animals, musicians, dancers, puppets and singers will delight the crowd at stations around the park. Scheduled animal presentations will take place throughout the evening. A complimentary picnic buffet will be offered for all families, and kids will receive a special gift. Zoo keepers will also be stationed in front of each exhibit to answer questions about the animals and to talk with kids one-on-one.

Children who have been treated at PHCH are invited by physicians and staff to Dreamnight. Each child is allowed up to five tickets to invite his or her family or care giver. In many cases, sick kids are accompanied by the nurses and doctors who work with them on a day-to-day basis.

“This year we are expecting a record number of children and family members,” said Krantz. “Nearly 2,000 tickets were given out and the staff is ready to entertain over 1,000 kids. For many it is the first time that they have ever been to a zoo or a carnival.”

Dreamnight takes place annually worldwide on the first Friday evening in June. Twenty-five zoos in the United States along with 113 zoos from other countries will participate in the event.  Last year, 55,000 children experienced Dreamnight along with over 220,000 other family members and caregivers. For a complete list of all participating zoos, please visit www.dreamnightatthezoo.nl.

During Dreamnight at the Zoo, the park remains closed to the public, and Dreamnight families are admitted free of charge.