Great Bend City Administrator Kendal Francis met with staff and, after much consideration, decided to discontinue the annual Halloween Zoo Boo event, he announced Thursday afternoon. 

“This is a difficult decision, but not a COVID-19 based one,” he said. “Many factors played into this decision.”

The City spends over $6,000 each year in the purchase of candy and other necessities. Additionally, there are significant man hours and overtime that are required for preparation and cleanup of the event. Sponsorships of the event went directly towards advertising and did not help defray the direct costs, he said.

“A final factor in the decision, though not financial it is equally as important, was that the crowds create undue stress for many of our larger animals which is detrimental to their health,” Francis said.

“The city is discussing opportunities to better leverage funds and reduce costs through participation in and enhancement of other existing family-friendly events,” he said.  In doing so, “we are confident that we can fill the void left by Zoo Boo. A partnership with the very popular downtown Kiwanis Halloween parade is a viable option.” 

That event happens every year the Saturday before Halloween and it takes people directly in front of the businesses, he said. “This creates exposure and, given the current challenging financial times, we want to enhance the economy for our existing businesses.”

“Kiwanis is excited about the opportunity to grow our downtown Halloween parade,” said Barry Bowers, City Council and Kiwanis Club member said. “It’s good for the businesses, a safe option for the kids and takes the pressure off the city and zoo.”

The city would like to thank Eagle Radio, KSN and many others for their partnership in Zoo Boo.