Haunted Petting Zoo hosted by 4-H club

This month Island County 4-H’s Kool Kritters will morph into Kreepy Kritters.

At 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, demonic cats, guinea pig witches and vampire rabbits will be on display at Sherman’s Pioneer Farm for the second-ever Haunted Petting Zoo.

“It’s not real scary,” said Georgie Smith, leader of the Kool Kritters club. “It’s just a cute way to go see animals.”

Smith’s club is hosting the event, but other 4-H participants are invited. Kool Kritters focuses on cats, guinea pigs and rabbits but dogs, calves and horses might also make appearances, she said.

Children are encouraged to wear a costume to the event, and everyone who does so will get a ribbon.

October marks the beginning of the 4-H season, so the spooky petting zoo offers an opportunity to spread the word about the club, Smith said.

“It’s a great time if kids are interested in 4-H to come talk to 4-Hers, see what the kids do,” she said.

Other activities at the farm will include trolley rides, a haunted barn and pumpkin picking. Games and crafts will also be available.

The petting zoo is free. The animals’ cages will be decorated and the critters themselves will at least start out wearing their costumes.

“I’m not guaranteeing you’re going to see a bunch of animals cooperating with wearing costumes,” Smith said.

Last year, the guinea pigs in particular decided their witch outfits were more tasty than scary. Children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 can join 4-H clubs in Island County,.

Kool Kritter’s Haunted Petting Zoo is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday Oct. 27 at Sherman’s Pioneer Farm.