WESTMINSTER — More than 3,000 people attended the eighth annual Bug A Boo Halloween celebration at the Butterfly Pavilion this weekend, with the theme “Adventure to Oz.” About 2,600 participants were “munchkins.”
For Madison Hughes, 5, who was dressed as Dorothy, her visit Sunday meant more than just tricks and treats.
“She loves ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ ” said Barbara Hughes, her mom. “It’s her favorite movie, so she’s been Dorothy every year.”
Madison said her favorite part of the event was the butterfly conservatory.
Her 6-year-old brother, Michael, dressed as a “skull” motorcycle rider, proudly discussed the prizes he had won from the Cash Cube Tornado in the pavilion’s make-shift “Kansas,” complete with bugs native to that state.
“The theme was just so cute, and it’s a safe, fun, nice way to spend the day with the family,” Barbara Hughes said.
Dorothy still popular
“When I talk to costume shops, the Dorothy costume is the most popular with girls between 5 and 9 years old,” said Jenifer Doane, a spokesperson for the pavilion.
Doane said this is the first year the Bug A Boo has had a theme, and it has been well-received.
“Usually, we get about 500 to 700 people a weekend, so this has been great,” she said, adding that the event will now feature a theme every year.
The event was included in the price of admission and was free to members of the Butterfly Pavilion. Some activities required purchased tickets, but most of the activities were free.
“We do it for the community. We want it to be accessible to as many people as possible,” Doane said. “The kids have a safe place to trick-or-treat in an educational setting, and the parents appreciate the free activities without the over-crowding.”
The Dahl family, who are members of the Butterfly Pavilion, also came out Sunday for their munchkin’s first Halloween celebration.
Alden, 2, dressed as a green dinosaur, was not familiar with the 1939 movie.
“He won’t sit through the entire movie, but he’s having all this fun, not revolved around candy,” said his mom, Sarah Dahl.
She said the theme was classic and timeless entertainment.
“We come here regularly, so we really liked the extra exhibits,” she said. “I hope the Butterfly Pavilion keeps doing good stuff for kids.”
Sally S. Ho: 303-954-1638 or sho@denverpost.com
