Actors from the 2021 Animals of Halloween event at the photo spot. (Submitted photo)

SHERBURNE — One annual event to attend over the long Columbus Day weekend is the free, family-friendly event “Animals of Halloween” on Saturday, October 8 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Rogers Environmental Education Center in Sherburne.

This event features actors dressed in costume as New York State wildlife at stops along a torch-lit trail at Rogers Center. They each talk about where they live, what they do, and what makes them special. Children and families can ask the characters questions and then the group moves on to the next animal on the trail.

Everyone will end at the fire pit area and be entertained by Jenni’s Music. The event is part of the free monthly educational offerings by Friends of Rogers and is sponsored by the Otis Thompson Foundation.

Reservations will not be required this year. Instead, the event will kick off at 3 p.m. with a performance by the Schmitt Sisters Dance group in the Outdoor Classroom. Following the performance, starting at 4 p.m., groups can line up to head down North Loop Trail to visit the actors and learn all about the wildlife you encounter on the trail. Three more groups will be formed at 4:30, 5 and 5:30 p.m. as well so you can arrive for any of those times.

Cider and donuts will be provided in the Visitor Center as well as an Autumn-themed photo spot by 5th Dimension Photography, where you can sit for a free digital family photo.

“This is such a special educational event for children of all ages. Many kids come in costume themselves too. It’s such a fun event for everyone,” said Heather Tehan, interim executive director for Friends of Rogers. “We enjoy providing this free event to the community every year.”

Rogers Center is operated by Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center, Inc., a nonprofit organization that offers educational programs for all ages. The mission of Friends of Rogers is to provide outstanding educational opportunities that excite, inspire, and motivate people of all ages to enjoy, understand, and protect our natural environment.

For more information call 607-674-4733 or visit FriendsofRogers.org.

-Information provided by Friends of Rogers