VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Rosamond Gifford Zoo helps the community gear up for the holidays with its fifth annual Holiday Nights
Brooke Killgore: As December rolls into town, there’s no shortage of holiday cheer. Clinton Square Ice Rink is open for the season, and wreaths and pops of red and white line the city, a sure sign that winter is nearly here. But when the sun goes down, a quick turn onto West Fayette Street leads you to another holiday treat.
Killgore: The Rosamond Gifford Zoo officially opened its fifth-annual Holiday Nights event today. While the animals aren’t out to play, their glowing counterparts take center stage. Kids and adults can stroll through the zoo to enjoy the light displays, sip hot chocolate and even meet Santa.
Killgore: Director of Development Heidi Strong says it’s the partnership between volunteers and the zoo that brings the event to life.
Heidi Strong: We have a lot of volunteers that are here in the community. We have choir groups from across Syracuse, whether it be high school or local organizations that are together. We have local not-for-profits that exhibit here. Sponsors as well as many different exhibitors that have their wares and stuff that they make to showcase for Christmas.
Killgore: Inside the Animal Health Center sits the Holiday Market, where guests can find one of anything. Craft vendor Sandi Astras has always been a fan of this time of year, especially with the zoo.
Sandi Astras: I love it, personally I drag people out to drive in a car to look at Christmas lights so here you don’t have to. But I also think it’s somewhere that kids and families get to go and walk around a bit and spend some energy, but also have fun.
Killgore: The holidays are a time of giving back to those in need. And the zoo is doing their part in ensuring they’re also contributing to that. Every hot chocolate that is purchased has a dollar donated to United Way Central New York. And also, you can volunteer here at the zoo during Holiday Lights. We spoke to one of those volunteers here as well.
Hattie Luce: It means a lot to me, especially to those who have lost a loved one and it really just brings the community together, which is what we need in these times.
Killgore: Holiday Nights runs for the next three weekends, bringing the community together and highlighting everything the zoo has to offer. And if you weren’t already convinced by the excitement tonight…
Killgore: Take it from her. Reporting one last time this semester, for NCC News, I’m Brooke Killgore.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — As the songs say, the most wonderful time of the year is on its way and there’s no shortage of holiday cheer in Syracuse.
Just last week, Clinton Square opened up its annual ice skating rink for the community to enjoy. In addition, the city wasted no time in getting wreaths up on various light posts. But if you’re in the mood for a way to celebrate the holidays after dark, there’s just the place for you.
The Rosamond Gifford Zoo kicked off its fifth annual Holiday Nights celebration last Friday. While the animals are tucked away for the evening, their glowing counterparts take center stage. Families can wander through illuminated displays, sip hot chocolate and even meet Santa Claus.
It’s a community-minded event powered almost entirely by community members.
“We have a lot of volunteers that are here in the community. We have choir groups from across Syracuse, whether it be high school or local organizations that are together,” Director of Development Heidi Strong said. “We have local not-for-profits that exhibit here. Sponsors, as well as many different exhibitors that have their wares and stuff that they make to showcase for Christmas.”
For those seeking something a little warmer, the Holiday Market offers a lively indoor escape. Visitors can look at several types of crafts, food and learn more about local events at various tables. For craft vendor Sandi Astras, the market is a way to appreciate what the zoo brings to the season.
“I love it, personally. I drag people out to drive in a car to look at Christmas lights so here you don’t have to,” Astras said. I also think it’s somewhere that kids and families get to go and walk around a bit and spend some energy, but also have fun.”
The holidays are a time of celebration, but also of giving back. The zoo is doing its part through its Friends Zoo United campaign, which donates $1 from every hot chocolate sold to United Way of Central New York. According to the organization, its mission is to support human-service needs across the region.
In addition to the donations, the zoo relies heavily on community volunteers to help run the operation and keep the holiday cheer going. For Hattie Luce, the opportunity to help out means more than anything.
“It means a lot to me, especially to those who have lost a loved one and it really just brings the community together, which is what we need in these times,” Luce said.
Holiday Nights runs for the next three weekends on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. If you’re looking for a festive, after-sunset adventure, anyone can stop by to experience the zoo in an entirely new light.