ASHEBORO, NC - The North Carolina Zoo will hold the second of five October special events-part of ZooFEST 2010-- Saturday, Oct. 9, featuring African art, dance, music and mystery in a celebration of African culture and heritage.

The Healing Force will perform music and storytelling in the Africa entrance plaza (Akiba Market) at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

There will be African dance by Sugarfoote Productions at noon and 2 p.m. and storytelling by Fred Motley from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.-all at the Africa entrance plaza. Also, Music Explorium will entertain in the Africa Plaza with drum-making crafts and will lead drum circles, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Family entertainment will continue at the zoo in upcoming Saturdays throughout the month. On Saturday, Oct. 16, Howl-O-Ween will kick off a celebration of Wolf Awareness with exhibits and educational activities throughout the park, games and crafts, and opportunities for visitors to meet keepers.

On both Saturday, Oct.23, & Sunday, Oct. 24, the zoo will come alive with its annual Boo at the Zoo-celebrating its 20th anniversary this year--featuring two magical days of family entertainment and Halloween fun, with games, treats, costume parades and contests each day.
The final weekend, Oct. 30 & 31, will feature Batology, with bat-related activities, keeper talks and bat feedings, 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Additionally, the zoo's African violet show will continue throughout October at the Africa Pavilion.

All the weekend fun takes place during regular zoo hours of 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and is included in the regular zoo admission of $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (62+) and $6 for children (ages 2-12).

ZooFEST 2010 is made possible by Coca-Cola, the zoo's 2010 signature sponsor.

The zoo is an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment & Natural Resources, Dee Freeman, Secretary; Beverly Eaves Perdue, Governor.

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