Chicago Zoological Society

News Release

September 8, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Sondra Katzen
Public Relations
708.688.8351
sondra.katzen@czs.org

Note: images of Fiesta para Todos at Brookfield Zoo may be downloaded at http://czs.org/pressroom

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Brookfield Zoo’s Fiesta para Todos

Brookfield, Ill.—September is Hispanic Heritage Month, and Brookfield Zoo is joining in the celebration with its annual Fiesta para Todos, presented by Fisher-Price® and Comcast. The “Party for All” takes place Saturday and Sunday, September 19 and 20, and features activities, entertainment, and animals from Latin America, Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Families with young children can get a head start in the celebration on September 19 and
attend a special all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet at 9:00 a.m. with special appearances by two popular
Fisher-Price Little People®—-Eddie® and Sonya Lee®. Each child will receive a treat, courtesy of
Fisher-Price®. Tyrone of Nick Jr.’s “The Backyardigans” also will be joining the breakfast, courtesy of Comcast. In addition, parents will have the opportunity to take photos of their youngsters with all the characters. The cost for the breakfast is $36.00 for adults and $24.50 for children 3-11 (zoo members pay $26.00 for adults and $18.50 for children). Children 2 and under eat for free. Seats are limited. For further information or to make reservations, visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8355.

During the two-day celebration, guests can gather on the zoo’s East Mall for a variety of performances. On September 19 at 11:00 a.m., Band of Joes, featuring Alejo Poveda on percussion, will have zoogoers dancing to the sounds of Latin jazz, samba, cha cha, salsa and boleros. Following at
1:30 p.m. is Ballet Folklorico de San Antonio de Padua, a locally based folk dance group. Rounding out Saturday’s entertainment at 3:00 p.m. is Latin Experience Music, one of Chicago’s finest Latin soul bands that features a high energy and a dynamic rhythm section.

The following day, September 20, Linda’s Dance Studio will kick off the entertain beginning at 11:00 a.m. From Chicago’s South Side, this energetic multi-ethnic dance troupe will perform traditional dances of Mexico. Next at 1:30 p.m., guests will be dazzled with a performance by members of Gingarte Capoeira Performance Company. The group will perform capoeira, an African-Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, games, music, and dance. Then, Guitarra Azul will take the stage at Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Brookfield Zoo’s Fiesta para Todos at 3:00 p.m. The Chicago-based Latin band will have guests on their feet with their electrifying music and dance that blends rumba, flamenco, and Latin jazz into a mesmerizing performance. At 1:00 p.m. on the East Mall, guests can meet some animals that hail from “south of the border,” including a llama, armadillo and guinea pig. Guests can also visit other native Latin American animals at the zoo such as spider monkeys, a pygmy hippo, Humboldt penguins, and cotton-top tamarins.

The celebration would not be complete without appearances by Fisher-Price® characters. Planet Heroes® and Eddie® and Sonya Lee® will greet kids throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. In addition, little ones can enjoy the popular Fisher-Price® Power Wheels® driving track and playpen area, where they can try out the latest and greatest Fisher-Price® toys.

On September 19 only, fans of the Chicago Fire soccer team can meet one of the players between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. as well as Sparky, the team’s mascot from noon to 2:00 p.m. In addition, the team will have their inflatable jumper for kids to play in from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

For further information about Fiesta para Todos, visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8000. Fiesta para Todos is sponsored by American Airlines.

Celebrating its 75th year, the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, inspires conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. Open every day of the year, Brookfield Zoo is located off First Avenue between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and is also accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA, and PACE bus service. For further information, visit www.CZS.org.

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