Thursday, Oct. 13
October 13, 2011Family Fun
October 13, 2011
Planners hoped 400 youngsters would show up for the Bayou Country Children’s Museum’s inaugural “Night at the BOO-seum” in 2009.
Museum executive director Christy Naquin said more than 1,800 turned up for the fundraiser. “We knew right then, we had something special, that we’d found our niche,” she said. Not just with the Halloween event, but with the future children’s museum itself. “The community support has been so special.”
On Oct. 21, Naquin and her legion of volunteers and sponsors are readying for up to 3,000. The fun is set for 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Town Center of Acadia Plantation, off of Percy Brown Road, adjacent from Nicholls State University, in Thibodaux.
Designed to be a safe, affordable family event, Naquin said BOO-seum teams with area businesses and organizations – handing out candy and trinkets, hands-on games and activities, kid’s karaoke, hay rides, bounce houses, a toddler’s train ride, fun photos, the Lafourche Sheriff’s Office Kid’s Safety ID program and much more.
“And because the event is a week before Halloween, children get to wear their costumes twice,” she said. Everyone who attends is invited to costume; however, because it is a children’s affair, Naquin said scary or gory costumes are frowned upon.
Admission is $7 per person at the gate. Concessions including jambalaya, hot dogs and burgers are sold.
The BOO-seum is being held near the grounds where a 12,500-square-foot museum is being built. The facility will feature 50 unique educational exhibits highlighting the industry, agriculture, environment and Cajun culture of south Louisiana.
Area educators have also had a hand in developing the hands-on exhibits to correspond with established Grade Level Expectations, Naquin explained. “When we open our doors, we know we have to continue to develop our programs to stay fresh and to give teachers and children new reasons to visit. We’ll continue developing new ways to make sure learning is always fun and fresh.”
Signature exhibits include the Sugar Cane Harvester (a climbing structure), Sugar Cane Maze, Alligator Mardi Gras Float, Steel Legged Reef (an oil derrick structure), The Grand Old Oak (a toddler reading area), Jean Lafitte’s Treasure Dig and Bayou Boogie (with Cajun musical instruments), as well as a restaurant.
“When ground breaks remains the million dollar question,” Naquin said. The board is working with several local banks to ensure funding to begin construction. “Every day, we’re a bit closer. We’re excited to see this project come to life, and we’re thankful that the community continues to support it. They’ve helped keep this dream alive.”
For more information, call (985) 446-2200 or visit www.bccm.info.
Come dressed and ready for fun, organizers of the 3rd Annual
Night at the BOO-seum say.
