The Potawatomi Zoo will host a series of Roars & Pours Family Nights in 2019. These after-hours events take place from 5:30 – 8 pm April 26, May 11, June 13, July 11, August 23, and October 3. The Roars & Pours Family Night series is sponsored by Round Barn Winery & Brewery and U-93.
Admission for Roars & Pours is $5 per person 15 and up, $1 for children 3-14, and free for babies 2 and under. Tickets for all Roars & Pours events are available for pre-sale at any local Martin’s Supermarket or the Zoo admission booth. There will be a special entrance for pre-sale ticket holders.
“After several successful Roars & Pours events last year, we are thrilled to continue offering these after-hours events,” explains Connie Varga, event manager at the Potawatomi Zoo.
Varga joined the Zoo in February 2019 and is working to expand the scope of Roars & Pours. “Each Roars & Pours Family Night will have a unique theme or activity because we want to give people a really special Zoo experience in the evening for a discount,” she says.
The April 26 Family Night will focus on the Zoo’s partnership with Round Barn Winery & Brewery. Admission will be free for 2018 or 2019 Round Barn Season Pass holders. There will be three adult tasting stations set up with Round Barn beer, wine, and sangria samples. Full-size drinks will be available for purchase at the Round Barn Bar and Otter Outpost. There will also be a special build-your-own non-alcoholic beverage available for purchase at a booth in front of the leopard area. The Congo Café will be open with its full menu.
Details on future Roars & Pours Family Nights will be available on the Zoo’s website and Facebook.
The May 11 event will have champagne tasting and champagne for purchase especially for Mother’s Day. The June 13 Roars & Pours will be focused on Father’s Day. On July 11, the Zoo will be showing Zootopia, sponsored by Lake City Bank. July 11 is also the member appreciation night with free admission for Potawatomi Zoo members. The August 23 Roars & Pours will have slushy drinks to break the heat of summer, and on October 3, the Zoo will have warm fall drinks available to taste and purchase.
All Roars & Pours Family Nights will have a tasting option for adults 21 and up and a special non-alcoholic drink available for people under 21 or designated drivers. Regular attractions and amenities, such as the Congo Café, Gift Shop, Learning Center, Round Barn Bar, Otter Outpost, train, and carousel will be open during Roars & Pours Family Nights. There will also be keeper talks and animal experiences at each Family Night.