Jackson Free Press

On June 4, the Jackson Zoo will host a special event in collaboration with St. Dominic Hospital called Dream Night at the Zoo. This exclusive event allows children with special needs and their families the opportunity to tour the zoo outside of the busy daytime hours. The children also enjoy a number of events customized for them in addition to touring the zoo.

Dream Night is a nationally recognized event that has been held for the last 15 years in many places.

"This is the third year we've held this event , and we're proud to be a part of it," says Georgina Johnson, the zoo's special events coordinator.

The zoo provided the event for three years, but this is Johnson's second year supervising it personally. Her role is helping the families. She and the rest of the zoo staff help them get on the trains and move around the zoo. They focus on providing an easy and comfortable experience for the families.

During Dream Night, children are able to enjoy a more personal experience at the zoo than they would be able to have during normal hours. Sometimes the children can't enjoy the zoo because it's too congested during the day. The event allots a time frame to them that doesn't include general visitors so the children can enjoy the zoo at their own pace. The zoo staff brings animals out to them so they can see them close up and directly. Parents also help out in making the event as enjoyable as possible for the children. It's about having family time with a group of individuals.

"The parents are just so grateful that an organization is doing something like this for them," Johnson says.

One event held in a previous Dream Night was "My Dream Job: What I Want to Do When I Grow Up." Zoo staff had different booths set up for people from different professions so the children could meet them and find out about what they do. Last year, there was an event called "I Can Be Whatever I Want to Be." The children get to wear scrubs, have face paintings, experience personal encounters with the animals and see shows. Past events have included petting zoos and an appearance by Jeff Foxworthy. The children receive goody bags, McDonald's Happy Meals and Blue Bell ice cream. This year's event is also going to include an appearance by Inky the Clown, who loves working with children.

The event is from 5:30 to 8 p.m. It is invitation only and requires approval to attend. For information, call 601-352-2580.