The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
It was a Hay Day at the Joe Brain Petting Zoo recently as children took in their favourite animals, played games and enjoyed the day. The drizzly day couldn't keep children and families away as roughly 60 people attended this year's event. The zoo saw plenty of faces _ many which were decorated from the face painting station _ as they played organized games like animal bingo and entered contests like the cow pie eating contest. Ria Rowe, zoo manager, says this year was another success as those in attendance enjoyed themselves. Along with the cow pie eating contest, children participated in bubble gum blowing contests and a guess the weight contest of Gloria the cow. Gloria weighed 211 lbs., with the closest guess being 204 lbs. 'That was pretty fun,' said Rowe. 'There were lots of guesses that were way off, but it was something different.' Families were able to take in the everyday fun of the petting zoo as well as the organized fun for the afternoon. Though Hay Day is always a popular event, the Joe Brain Petting Zoo continues to be a hot spot in the community. 'We've had hundreds come to the zoo this year,' said Rowe. The gates opened in June as classes made their way to see the new and returning furry faces. Rowe says there were plenty of birthday parties and bookings in July and this month, as well. The zoo will close its doors for the season on August 28 _ leaving under two weeks left for the year! The zoo was also home to the Summer in the Parks program this year as young campers used the location as a home base. 'Make sure you come for a visit to see the animals before the doors are closed,' said Rowe, adding that the final day of the season will have regular hours of operation.
