On Oct. 29, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
will again be a sanctuary from things that go bump in the night.
For the 14th year in a row, the famed Prospect Heights institution
is scaring up its own kind of Halloween excitement, the "Ghouls
and Gourds" party, a day-long event for people who prefer
a kinder, gentler Halloween.
"We focus more on the quirky, fun and eccentric parts of
the holiday," said Anita Jacobs, the garden’s director of
public programs. "This is very specifically an event for
families and kids."
And it’s not just the kids who get into the fun, said Jacobs.
Adults, even those with no little fairy princesses in tow, will
find themselves dancing to the beat of the Brazilian drums that
lead the costume parade at 3:45 pm.
Even the pumpkins are carved differently at the botanic garden.
Thai artists Americanize a vegetable-carving tradition (pictured)
and turn out "beautiful sculptures that are unrecognizable
as pumpkins," said Jacobs.
That, combined with a carnivorous plant feeding, from 1 pm to
3 pm, by a garden employee in a Morticia Addams costume, and
an exhibit of intricate gourd sculptures, makes for a festive
time for families who shy away from the blood-soaked, hair-raising
horror extravaganza that Halloween has become.
"Halloween has a very intensive energy, and we try to play
off of that," said Jacobs. "But this is a safe place
for kids, and we want to keep it that way."
"Ghouls and Gourds" will take place on Oct. 29, from
noon to 4:30 pm, at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (900 Washington
Ave. at Eastern Parkway). Activities are free with garden admission
($5 for those age 16 and older and $3 for seniors and students)
and will take place rain or shine under a tent on the Cherry
Esplanade. For a complete schedule, call (718) 623-7200 or visit
www.bbg.org.
