To begin a week of haunts and hoots, the Monte L. Bean Science Museum will bring out the spooky animals after hours for a special Halloween treat.

All are invited to attend a Halloween party hosted by the museum Monday, Oct. 27 from 6 to 9 p.m. Patrons may bring their families dressed in Halloween costumes to play games, make crafts and listen to stories told by the museum employees.

"I think it will be fun to see all the families come in costume and just be together and celebrate the holiday," said Katy Knight, education coordinator for the museum. "It will be fun for them to do different activities together. And I like to see the kids dressed up in their costumes."

Tashina Chipman, education assistant at the museum, said they would give a special live animal show to show off the animals most people find scary or spooky. The event she said she looks forward to happens later in the program, when all the lights are turned off.

"We are having a special after-hours tour by flashlight," Chipman said. "Having been here after all the lights are out, with all of the animals, it does seem a little spooky so it just seemed perfect."

Brent Beardsley, a student educator, said he's most excited about the special Halloween show he's going to be presenting. He also said the event will be different from any other you can find this week.

"The most unique thing here is that the animals are real," Beardsley said. "People are going to get to see them after hours and talk to the guides."

Also helping at the event will be Cassi Andrew, another student educator at the museum.

"I look forward to wearing my costume and looking amazingly cool and have a great time with all the patrons," Andrew said, "and being able to share things about animals."

She thinks this event is unique because of the opportunity it gives kids to learn as they have fun.

"Even if they aren't interested in the animals, they can come and do crafts and dress up and have a good time."



Copyright Brigham Young University 27 Oct 2008