By: Angie Clubine
Theta Pi Chapter, South West Missouri State University

With pumpkins glowing and cameras flashing, thousands of spectators awaited the opening of the Dickenson Park Zoo this Halloween for the annual Spooktacular events. On the evenings of the 23rd and the 30th of October, once again the members of the Theta Pi Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi made their third annual appearance at the event. With the Springfield zoo filled with witches and goblins, the Theta Pi members were found lurking around every turn with potions of sugar awaiting young monsters who dared to cross their path.

According to Melinda Mancuso, Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator, an estimated 3000 people attended the trail of terror during the two weeks of operation prior to Halloween. Theta Pi members arrived dressed in all sorts of non-scary costumes including everything from spiders to butterflies, and aviators to doctors. Among the ghosts and goblins were Paula Russel, Guinka Atanassova, Andrea Kramer, Tracy Palmer, Felicia Gonzalez, Clint Meyer, Stan Byrd, Ralph Taylor, Angie Clubine, Laura Miller, Holly Drennen, Tiffany Jones, Jeri Ann Loomis, Corey Elliot, Melissa Gintz, Kim Bartelsmeyer, and Diwa Wong.

Many children enjoyed the walk through the haunted zoo containing cursed cemeteries, the great pumpkin patch, a haunted house, and creepy Theta Pi'ers. And what Halloween would be complete without candy to rot those teeth or a ride on a real elephant!

Until next year, put your costumes away and thanks to all for an "acc-haunting" good time!