Local Artist Performs at Boo at the Zoo

Well-known local artist Patrick Ballard will bring his musical talents to Jackson Farm and Petting Zoo for the first annual Boo at the Zoo.

This non-scary Halloween event especially designed for younger children will offer a costume contest, hay ride, face painting, a surprise walk through the orchard, apple picking, monster mash dance, trick or treat goodie bags and much more.

A special treat will be a show with some of the animals at 7:00 pm. Madisonrose Toro, “the Zoo Whisperer”, the daughter of the owners of the zoo, has been involved with the zoo from the beginning. She is very knowledgeable about the animals and has a special connection to many of them. Her Show and Tell will be entertaining and informative.

Patrick, who is a self- taught musician, will entertain the guests and animals with a large variety of music including golden oldies and children’s songs. The children will be able to ‘strut their stuff’ on the stage to the rocking music.

Although Blue Grass, Gospel, and Southern Blues are among Patrick’s favorite genres of music, he plays all types to entertain all of his audiences. He plays at 50 care centers every month, plays with Blake Ellege and the Country Resonators, plays for the July 4th celebration in Columbus, NC, and has played for the 7th AvenueFestival Haranbee. He has been a church musician for 28 years. He plays eight (8) instruments, all self-taught. Several CDs of his music have been recorded.

Grace Ballard, Patrick’s daughter, will be doing face painting and balloon animals at the Halloween event. Grace is a volunteer at Jackson Farm and Petting Zoo and the animals love her. The Zoo staff appreciates all her help and enthusiasm.

This will be a great, fun night. Some of the animals will have on their costumes to celebrate also, but they can’t enter the costume contest; just our visiting childrenare eligible. Costume winners will be announced at 6:30.

Price for Boo at the Zoo is $5.00 per child. There is no charge for the accompanying adults.

Jackson Farm and Petting Zoo is located at 2025 Gilliam Mountain Road (Edneyville Community), Hendersonville, NC 28792. Please call 828 233-6399 or 828 551-2883 for additional information.