Garden City Bird Sanctuary's Halloween FEST 2013

Back and even bigger for its 8th year, the Garden City Bird Sanctuary's Halloween "Spooktacular" is scheduled for Friday October 18 through Sunday October 20. Opposite 181 Tanners Pond Road. The popular escorted Haunted Hikes are held starting at 6PM, and there are even more environmental horror themes added to the attraction, including Angry Birds, and Invasive Insects, such as the Asian Longhorned Beetle that was recently seen again on Long Island.  Don't worry, we'll still have a cast of your favorite characters-- including zombies and ghosts, on the trails and Plastic Bag Monster to warn people not to use disposable plastic bags.

Hikers are also cautioned that toxic and hazardous waste may have been dumped at the site, and the Bird Sanctuary may have a toxic and hazardous waste cleanup crew at the site, (but they'll try not to accidentally hose hikers.) The escorted haunted hikes are suitable for all ages, but strollers are not permitted as they may block the trails when hikers have to flee the Killer Trees or Genetically Modified Food menace (Killer Corn?)  Adults who bring their kids for the events can enjoy a hot dog, coffee or baked goods while the children "hike".  Please remember, however, never ever accept a bottle of water from one of the witches! Who knows what spell is in it.

The events are scheduled at the award-winning 9-acre Tanners Pond Environmental Center's Garden City Bird Sanctuary. The main entrance gate is opposite 181 Tanners Pond Road in northwestern Garden City. The site is an innovative "Dual Use" of a Nassau County Storm Water Basin in cooperation with Nassau County and the Village of Garden City.  The Sanctuary was established in 1995 as a  nonprofit organization and is maintained through volunteer service.   

In addition to the escorted Haunted Hikes (there are "scary" and "not so scary" hikes available), the annual Halloween Fest is scheduled for Saturday Oct 19, from 3 PM to 5:30 with the Halloween Costume parade starting at 5PM.  The best costumes in the parade receive awards.  The Halloween Fest event features games, contests- such as the Mummy Wrapping contest, races and crafts, with a lots of nice prizes for all participants. Get you face painted for the festivities! Tickets are on sale now. Each event is a $10 donation per ticket, and reservations can be made by emailing gchalloween@gmail.com.  Funds raised are needed for the support and maintenance of the community nature center, especially after a year of cleanup from Hurricane Sandy!  A $2 discount per ticket is offered for reservations received by October 12.  For information, please email gcbirdsanctuary@gmail.com or visit us (and hit "like") on Facebook at Garden City Bird Sanctuary.  Still need more info?  Call (516) 326-1720.