Boo on the Bayou

PINE BLUFF – For the 16th consecutive year, the Gov. Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center will host “Boo on the Bayou” in celebration of the fall holiday season. The popular program will be held Oct. 26-27 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Jason Hooks, director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission nature center, says the event is always popular, with roughly 5,000 people attending each year.

“Boo on the Bayou and Spring Break week are the two biggest draws we have during the year outside of our regular programming,” Hooks said. “They’re great ways to get people to the center to learn more about the outdoors and enjoy some quality time with friends and family.”

The interior of the center recently reopened after a month of maintenance, and school groups already are coming in to learn about nature and the outdoors.

“The annual fall event will help greet people back to the center,” said Lori Monday, education specialist for the AGFC. “We’ll have exhibit tables with animal skulls and furs, some live animals and fun games for everyone to enjoy. We also plan to have an inflatable bounce house, archery and BB gun shooting and face-painting for attendees.”

Monday says a Jack-o-lantern contest, sponsored by the Kiwanis club, will be held and all entries will be on display on the trail leading to the archery and BB gun booths.

“We’ll also have a DJ for music and food trucks available at the event,” Monday said. “And admission is free, like always.”

Parking is available across from the softball fields, with a bus providing transportation to the front gate. The public is encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes.

Monday says the event’s success really relies on the many volunteers needed to operate the booths, activities and exhibits.

“The community has really helped us in the past, and we really appreciate everyone pitching in to make it such a fun event,” Monday said. “We’re always looking for more volunteers to make it even better. Local businesses or organizations can even volunteer to increase their exposure to the community while they have fun.”

Interested people and businesses can call the nature center at 870-534-0011 to learn more about volunteering or partnering with the center.